Crime
Nora Gottschalk, an 8-year-old Abundant Life Christian School student described the shooting
An 8-year-old student, Nora Gottschalk, described the terrifying moments she experienced during the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
“I was getting ready for lunch, so it was basically lunchtime, and then I just heard shooting,” Nora recounted. “And then there was a teacher, and she was screaming like, ‘Ahh, my leg! Help! Help!’”
Nora confirmed she knew the teacher who was calling out for help, adding, “I was really scared, and I was really sad.”
Other students shared similar accounts of the chaos that unfolded inside the building as gunfire and screams filled the halls before law enforcement arrived to evacuate them.
“I heard gunshots and screaming, and it was all really scary,” one student told at the reunification site, where families were brought back together following the incident.
The shooting triggered an immediate lockdown, with students quickly being notified that “this is not a drill.” Many students, fearful and uncertain, turned to technology to maintain contact with their families during the ordeal.
“I was texting her on my watch,” one student shared, referring to communication with their mother.
Parents, anxiously awaiting news, expressed immense relief when they were able to reunite with their children.
“There’s no better feeling than knowing your kids are safe,” said one mother tearfully after embracing her child.
The students’ firsthand accounts highlight the fear and trauma experienced during Monday’s tragedy as the community continues to process the devastating events.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.