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.
Authorities are currently responding to an ongoing situation at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center in Darlington County, South Carolina.
Officials have confirmed that the Darlington County Coroner’s Office is on the scene.
Details about the nature of the incident remain limited at this time, and law enforcement has not released information regarding the events leading to the coroner’s involvement.
The presence of the coroner suggests a serious development, and local authorities are working to assess the situation.
Further updates are expected as officials continue their investigation.
Residents are encouraged to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to operate without interruption.
This is a developing story, and more details will be provided as they become available.