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:
โDuring 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.โ
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 Californiaโs red flag gun law.
The order requires Paffendorf to surrender all firearms and ammunition to law enforcement within 48 hours.
Californiaโs 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 Rupnowโs motive for the school shooting.
The attack left two people deadโ14-year-old Rubi P. Vergara and 42-year-old teacher Erin Westโand 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.
Christian County, Mo. โ 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 deputyโs family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.