Crime
Madison Abundant Life Christian School shooter used a 9mm pistol
At least 3 individuals, including the suspected juvenile shooter, have been killed, and others injured.
Authorities have confirmed that three individuals, including the suspected shooter, are dead following a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday.
Several others sustained injuries during the incident, which occurred in the final week of classes before the schoolโs Christmas break.
According to law enforcement, the suspect, described as a juvenile, opened fire on the school campus, killing two individuals before losing their own life.
Authorities have not yet released details about the victims as they work to notify their families.
Investigators believe the suspected shooter used a 9mm handgun during the attack, a law enforcement official disclosed on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.
Early reports had indicated five fatalities, but Madison Police clarified that three individuals, including the shooter, are deceased. Police Chief Shon F. Barnes noted that discrepancies in early fatality counts are not uncommon in mass shooting situations, as investigators work to gather accurate information and assess injuries.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is assisting local law enforcement, with agents on the scene supporting the investigation.
Abundant Life Christian School is a nondenominational private institution serving approximately 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, according to its website. The school is well-known in the community for its faith-based curriculum and close-knit environment.
Local and federal law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incident, and authorities have urged the public to avoid the area surrounding the school. Families of students have been directed to a reunification center established at the SSM Health/Dean Clinic on Stoughton Road.
โThis is an unimaginable tragedy,โ said Chief Barnes. โWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones affected by this incident. Our officers and investigators are working tirelessly to determine what led to this senseless act of violence.โ
Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the shooting or additional details about the suspect. Police are continuing to process the scene, interview witnesses, and collect evidence.
The community remains in shock as they await further updates on the investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado โ A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.