DLNews 

Madison, Wisconsin — A somber cloud of shock and grief continues to hang over Madison following Monday's devastating shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, which left two people dead and several others injured. As police and federal investigators piece together the events, the small, close-knit school community is navigating heartbreak and searching for answers.

Timeline of Events

• Monday, 8:15 a.m.: Reports of gunfire emerged from Abundant Life Christian School.
• 8:20 a.m.: A second-grade teacher called 911, alerting authorities.
• 8:30 a.m.: Police arrived on the scene and secured the area. The shooter, a 15-year-old girl, was found deceased.
• 9:00 a.m.: Emergency services transported six injured individuals to local hospitals. Two were later released.
• Monday afternoon: Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed two fatalities—a staff member and a student.
• Tuesday: Investigators began analyzing the shooter’s online presence and writings for a motive.

The victims' names and ages remain undisclosed as authorities work to ensure all family members are notified. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that one of the deceased was a full-time staff member, while the other was a student. Six others were injured in the attack, two of whom have already been released from SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

The tragedy cuts deep for Laura Lundgren, a teacher at Abundant Life. Speaking to CNN, Lundgren described the school as a tight community where "every student in the high school I know... We’re piecing together what we can and trying to hold each other well." Her words capture the devastation and resilience of a school that functions almost like an extended family. She praised the families of the injured students, noting, “Their moms are prayer warriors… and they are praying hard for their kids.”

As the community mourns, the search for clarity continues. Law enforcement officials, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), are tracing the origin of the handgun used by the shooter, a 15-year-old girl. Chief Barnes underscored the importance of understanding "how it got from a manufacturer to the hands of a 15-year-old.” The weapon's journey could reveal systemic cracks, allowing such a deadly tool access.

Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive, though Chief Barnes suggested it was likely a "combination of factors." Investigators are combing through the shooter’s online presence and writings to glean insight into her state of mind. Additionally, police are analyzing documents posted by someone claiming to be a friend of the shooter, though they caution against sharing unverified content.

The question of accountability looms large, particularly regarding the shooter's parents. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway refrained from speculating on potential criminal charges. Chief Barnes noted that investigators are evaluating whether there was parental negligence but emphasized that the parents are cooperating fully. “As of Monday night, we have no reason to believe they have committed a crime at this time,” he stated.

In a correction to earlier reports, Barnes clarified that the first 911 call came not from a student but from a second-grade teacher. This underlined the courage and quick action of staff members during moments of chaos.

As law enforcement works tirelessly to unravel the motive and circumstances behind this tragedy, the pain for the Abundant Life Christian School community is all too real. The sense of connection that defines the school is now being tested. From prayer circles to vigils, families, teachers, and neighbors are finding solace in their unity.

“We’re just all together,” Lundgren said. “We’re all a very closely knit group of teachers and parents. We’re here because we want to take care of each other.” The days ahead will require that resilience as the investigation continues and the community tries to heal—one prayer, one step, and one day at a time.