Crime
15-Year-Old Samantha “Natalie “Rupnow Identified as Suspect in Abundant Life Christian School Mass Shooting
MADISON, WISCONSIN: Authorities have identified the shooter involved in the mass shooting at Abundant Life Christian School as Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old female student who reportedly went by the name “Samantha.”
The incident, which unfolded just before 11:00 a.m. on Monday, has left the Madison community reeling as law enforcement continues its investigation.
In a harrowing detail, police confirmed that the first 911 call was made by a 2nd-grade student.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes provided the following updates during a press briefing:
Casualties and Injuries: Two individuals—a student and a teacher—were killed in the attack. Two other students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while four additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The shooter, Natalie Rupnow, appears to have planned the attack in advance, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the case.
Investigators are currently reviewing personal writings and evidence suggesting that Rupnow had been struggling with personal challenges leading up to the incident.
Chief Barnes also confirmed that heavy police activity at a residence on Madison’s north side is directly tied to the investigation. The shooter’s parents have been fully cooperative with authorities as they work to piece together the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Barbara Wiers, an official from Abundant Life Christian School, praised the composure and courage displayed by students during the attack.
“The students handled themselves magnificently once it became clear this was not a drill,” Wiers stated.
She commended families for their support, patience, and kindness throughout the reunification process, which police confirmed has been successfully completed.
Wiers highlighted the strength of the school community’s faith and resilience, saying, “In spite of tragedy, God is working.”
At a news conference Monday night, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes provided an update on the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. He reported that two of the six injured individuals are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Both are students at the school, Barnes confirmed.
“A teacher and three students were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and two of those individuals have already been released,” Barnes added.
Chief Barnes also stated that police do not intend to pursue charges against the parents of the 15-year-old suspect involved in the shooting.
“The parents are fully cooperating, and we have no reason to believe that they have committed a crime at this time,” Barnes said.
He emphasized that authorities are being careful to notify all family members of the victims before releasing names and ages.
“I think we want to make sure that all family members have been notified,” Barnes said, adding that it is equally important to ensure that families are comfortable with the names being made public. He suggested that additional details, including the victims’ identities, could be shared during a scheduled press briefing at 1 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Abundant Life Christian School, a private K-12 institution serving approximately 390 students, does not currently have metal detectors in place. However, Wiers emphasized that the school has established security protocols to protect students and staff.
Earlier this year, the school participated in active shooter training in coordination with the Madison Police Department, a measure that may have contributed to the orderly response during Monday’s attack.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is assisting the Madison Police Department in determining how Rupnow acquired the 9mm handgun used in the attack.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the weapon belonged to someone else or was obtained illegally, but further details are expected to be shared as the investigation progresses.
Chief Barnes announced that the next police press conference will take place at 9:30 p.m. ET, where additional updates on the suspect and investigation will be provided.
Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid the area surrounding the school while investigators remain on-site.
The Madison community continues to mourn the devastating loss of life in what was intended to be a joyful final week before the Christmas holiday. Officials and local leaders have pledged to provide support and resources to grieving families, students, and staff as the community navigates this tragedy together.
The investigation remains active, and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) continues to treat victims of the tragic mass shooting that occurred Thursday at Florida State University, which claimed the lives of two individuals and left six others injured.
Hospital officials confirmed that several victims arrived with gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.
Three patients required emergency surgery.
As of 9 a.m. Friday, two of the victims were expected to be discharged later in the day.
Three others are showing signs of recovery, while one patient remains in fair condition.
All are expected to make a full recovery.
The two deceased victims have been identified as food service employees at FSU.
One of them, Robert Morales, was a campus dining worker originally from Miami-Dade County.
His family confirmed his death in a heartfelt message on social media, stating, “Today we lost my younger Brother. He was one of the victims killed at FSU. He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter.”
The second victim has been identified as Tiru Chabba, Regional Vice President for Aramark’s Southeast Division.
Chabba had been with Aramark for more than 25 years, starting as a student manager in 2000 at Coastal Carolina University and rising through the ranks to become a respected leader in collegiate hospitality.
In a company-wide message, Aramark expressed its profound sorrow over the loss:
“It is with deep sadness that I share the news that our beloved Tiru Chabba was a victim of the mass shooting today at Florida State University. For over 25 years, Tiru has been a part of the Aramark family. This senseless act robbed us of a valued colleague and friend, and a family of their treasured husband and father.”
“Tiru was a trusted colleague and a good, good friend. He was admired by colleagues and clients alike. I will miss Tiru badly. Simply put, I am heartbroken.”
Aramark also confirmed they are offering support to Chabba’s family and providing resources to employees processing the loss.
TMH expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support shown to its emergency, trauma, and nursing teams, stating,
“We are honored to be the hospital providing care to these patients.”
The suspected shooter, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Ikner is the son of a veteran deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
In a press release Friday morning, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell stated:
“Our hearts are with the victims, families, students, and larger Florida State University community in the wake of this tragedy. What occurred today was a heinous and despicable act of violence. Sadly, as a result of this shooting, two adult males were killed, and five other victims were injured by gunfire. An eighth individual sustained injuries while fleeing the scene.”
Chief Revell added that the crime scenes have been processed and that the investigation remains ongoing.
“TPD is committed to bringing justice to the victims in this case,” he said.
Florida State University will hold a vigil Friday evening at Langford Green to honor the lives lost and those affected.
Mental health resources and counseling services are being made available to students at the Askew Student Life Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.