Police are asking anyone who knew Natalie Rupnow, or had any insight into what she might have been feeling leading up to the shooting to contact investigators at 608-266-6014, or at P3TIPS.
MADISON— Many questions remain after Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes and other city leaders provided an update Tuesday on the investigation into Monday’s shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.
The shooting left three people dead, and six injured. Among those dead are the suspected shooter, a teacher, and a teenage student, according to the Madison Police Department (MPD).
Barnes declined to take questions at Tuesday's press conference and said his update was based on questions submitted beforehand by local news outlets. He also made a correction to previously provided information.
So, here's what we know:
Suspected shooter identified:
Police identified the suspected shooter as Natalie Rupnow, 15, a female student at the school, and said she went by the name Samantha. They believe she acted alone.
Victims:
-Two injured students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
-One injured teacher and three injured students have non-life-threatening injuries. Two of those students have been released from the hospital.
Timeline:
The shooting occurred around 10:57 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, at Abundant Life Christian School, inside a classroom during a study hall period with students of different grades.
A second-grade teacher called to report the shooting.
Law enforcement was dispatched immediately, and officers arrived at the school at 11 a.m. Police say they found Rupnow dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with the handgun, at 11:05 a.m.
Multiple agencies responded, including several EMS units, Madison Fire, the Dane County Sheriff's Office, and more, all working together to provide aid to victims, transport them to the hospital, and clear the school.
Additionally, outside agencies took calls within the city of Madison to allow MPD to focus on the situation at the school.
Police search Rupnow's home
Monday afternoon, police began searching Rupnow's home. They told our sister station TMJ4 that the father of the suspected shooter let police into the home with consent.
The school's safety protocols
The school does not have metal detectors or a school resource officer (SRO).
Barbara Wiers, director of advancement for Abundant Life Christian School, said an SRO is not feasible right now, citing the school's small size.
Wiers said the security measures the school does have include cameras in the building that are monitored regularly, as well as keeping the building doors locked.
Wiers also said the school recently went through drill retraining with its staff.
Here's what we still don't know:
Motive
Barnes discussed the motive, calling it a "top priority" for his department. Officers are speaking with the shooter’s classmates to determine if bullying was a factor, but Barnes believes the motive was likely a combination of factors.
“Everyone was targeted in this incident," Barnes added. "And everyone was put in equal danger.”
Barnes said investigators are also reviewing the shooter’s social media presence for signs or red flags that she may have planned the shooting. They are urging anyone who knew her or has insight into what she might have been feeling leading up to the incident to contact investigators.
Identity of the victims
Investigators have not yet released the names of those killed or injured in the shooting. When pressed, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway responded, "It is absolutely none of y'all's business who was harmed in this incident."
She urged reporters to show "some human decency" and respect for the families of Abundant Life Christian School as they recover from the shooting.
Barnes said he is working to balance the need for transparency with the need to protect the victims.
The authenticity of the 'manifesto' that is circulating on social media
Barnes addressed a "manifesto" circulating on social media, stating that MPD is working to verify its authenticity and determine who created and posted the document. Officers are also examining the suspected shooter's devices to see if the document originated with her.
Barnes encouraged people not to share the document.
What we learned at the update:
A corrected previous statement that a second-grader called 911
Barnes corrected earlier information he provided to the media, clarifying that the shooting was reported by a second-grade teacher, not a second-grader.
Other schools have received threats of possible shootings
Barnes revealed that other schools in the Madison area, including those in the Madison Metropolitan School District, have received threats of possible shootings.
The chief emphasized that these threats are false and said those responsible will be criminally investigated and may face charges.
"Let me be clear: making false threats is a crime, and we are working with the district attorney to prosecute these crimes as information is gathered,” Barnes said.
The leader of the Office of School Safety said it’s common to see a surge of school threats following a school shooting.
911 calls will not be released
Barnes said the 911 calls will not be released while the investigation is ongoing.
Resources provided
Rhodes-Conway also directed those struggling with the news of the shooting to check out some of the resources being offered by the city.
The city's website has links to counseling and support as well as information about vigils and how to donate to support families impacted by the shooting.
Rhodes-Conway said financial donations should be made to the United Way of Dane County. You can also text HELP4ALCS to 40403.
