Crime
20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf Detained for Alleged Coordinated Mass Shooting Plot with ALCS suspect Natalie Rupnow
During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to FBI agents that he told Rupnow he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and target a government building.
Authorities have detained a 20-year-old California man, Alexander Paffendorf, in connection with the tragic school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Investigators believe Paffendorf may have coordinated with the shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, in planning a series of violent attacks.
According to a gun violence restraining order issued by the Carlsbad Police Department, Paffendorf and Rupnow reportedly exchanged messages about simultaneous attacks.
Rupnow carried out the shooting at the Wisconsin school on Monday, while Paffendorf allegedly planned to target a government building in California.
The restraining order stated:
“During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to FBI agents that he told Rupnow he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and target a government building.”
The order did not specify which government building Paffendorf allegedly planned to attack or the exact contents of the messages exchanged between the two.
On Tuesday evening, just hours after the Madison shooting, a San Diego judge approved an emergency restraining order under California’s red flag gun law.
The order requires Paffendorf to surrender all firearms and ammunition to law enforcement within 48 hours.
California’s red flag law allows authorities to restrict access to firearms when individuals are deemed a threat to public safety.
Authorities are investigating the alleged communications between Rupnow and Paffendorf to gain insight into Rupnow’s motive for the school shooting.
The attack left two people dead—14-year-old Rubi P. Vergara and 42-year-old teacher Erin West—and six others injured. Rupnow died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are working to piece together the details of the alleged coordinated plot.
The case highlights the increasing use of red flag laws to prevent potential threats and underscores the challenges of addressing coordinated acts of violence.
Further updates are expected as investigators review the communications and gather additional evidence to understand the extent of the alleged collaboration.
MOSELLE, MS – Law enforcement authorities have launched an active investigation into a shooting incident that occurred at Southern Hens Inc. on Moselle-Seminary Road Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Jones County Sheriff’s Department (JCSD), the incident took place around 2:00 p.m. on January 29, 2025.
Initial reports indicate that an armed individual attempted to enter the facility carrying an AR-style rifle but was fatally shot by a security guard.
Authorities have confirmed that no employees or emergency responders were injured during the incident.
Sheriff Joe Berlin and multiple JCSD deputies and investigators are currently on the scene, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The JCSD has assured the public that there is no further danger to employees or the surrounding community.
The circumstances surrounding the suspect’s actions and the security response remain under active investigation.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect or any additional details regarding a possible motive.
More information is expected to be made available as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.