Vicki McKenna reported after speaking with the mother of a student at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS), shedding light on the tragic incident involving freshman Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.

The mother revealed that her daughter, a locker neighbor of Rupnow, described her as someone who often spoke about her “German boyfriend” and complained about issues at home, including claims that her father did not feed her (though this remains unconfirmed).

Rupnow was known to wear goth and combat-style clothing routinely and allegedly claimed to hold a couple of jobs, though this too remains unverified.

According to the student, Rupnow appeared withdrawn, did not socialize much, and seemingly had little to no friend circle.

This was Rupnow’s first year at ALCS, where she was enrolled as a freshman.

The mother further shared unconfirmed information regarding the substitute teacher Rupnow attacked.

Reportedly, the teacher, who had children attending the school, put up a significant struggle to protect both herself and her students.

The teacher killed in Monday’s shooting at Abundant Life Christian School was a full-time staff member, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes clarified on Tuesday morning.

Chief Barnes also confirmed that a substitute teacher was injured during the attack.

Initially, Barnes had mistakenly stated that the teacher who died was a substitute. However, he later issued a correction, emphasizing that the victim was a dedicated full-time member of the school’s staff.

A law enforcement source relayed that during the altercation, the teacher grabbed Rupnow’s hair, suggesting she fought valiantly in the face of grave danger.

The ALCS student’s mother praised the school’s active-shooter protocols, which she believes were instrumental in saving lives.

She noted that classroom doors had locks and that the school’s external entrances required late arrivals to buzz in—though Rupnow, as a student, was able to enter the building without issue.

The mother described how her daughter initially believed the gunfire was maintenance work being conducted in the building.

However, her teacher, following protocol, locked the classroom door as a precaution.

The student’s classroom was located directly across from the study hall where the shooting occurred. Soon after, the principal announced over the speaker system that there was an active shooter situation and confirmed it was not a drill.

One particularly notable detail the mother shared was the heroic act of a second-grade student, who managed to call 911.

In a separate statement on Tuesday, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes issued a clarification regarding earlier reports about a 911 call during the incident.

While initial information suggested the call came from a second-grade student, Barnes corrected himself, stating that the call was actually made by a second-grade teacher.

“I’d like to provide an important clarification. Yesterday, after reviewing the computer-aided dispatch system, it appeared that a call came from a second grader. In reality, the call was made by a second-grade teacher,” Chief Barnes explained. “That was a mistake, and I take full responsibility. I sincerely apologize.”

The mother emphasized that ALCS had conducted active-shooter drills regularly, including one earlier this school year.

She credited the preparedness of staff, smart protocols, and quick thinking for minimizing further loss of life.

Finally, the mother urged the community to offer prayers for everyone affected: the students, teachers, administrators, victims, and survivors. She also asked for prayers for Natalie Rupnow and her family, acknowledging the profound grief and devastation this tragedy has brought.

Her closing words were a heartfelt plea:

“Oh God, comfort those who are grieving, and bring them peace in the midst of pain. Grant them strength, hope, and guidance as they seek justice and peace. Enable them to navigate the journey through sorrow into healing, through our Savior Jesus Christ.”

This mother’s account highlights not only the unimaginable horror of the events that unfolded but also the bravery, preparedness, and resilience demonstrated by the school community.