Another devastating school shooting in the United States has claimed lives, leaving a community in mourning. Survivors described the incident as “super sad” and “really scary” as they reunited with their families hours later.
On December 16, 2024, Madison Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin became the scene of a deadly shooting. A second-grader who courageously called 911 later recounted the harrowing experience.
The school addressed the tragedy on its Facebook page, acknowledging the active shooter situation and requesting prayers from the community. They pledged to provide updates as more details emerged.
Lives Lost and a Shocking Revelation
Authorities confirmed that the shooting claimed the lives of a student, a teacher, and the shooter herself—15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who was also known as Samantha. Rupnow died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while being transported to the hospital.
During a press briefing, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes shared that Rupnow, who was enrolled at the school, had planned the attack. Investigators are examining her writings for insights into her state of mind and interviewing her family to understand the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
A Young Hero and Swift Actions
Chief Barnes highlighted the bravery of a second-grader who made the critical 911 call during the shooting. “To me, it makes my heart skip a beat to think about that,” he said. “We teach our kids that if something is wrong, they should call 911, and this child did exactly that.”
The student, who was likely in a separate room from the shooter, followed emergency training and acted decisively. Teachers also responded quickly, initiating lockdown procedures and guiding students to safety.
Barnes stressed the importance of preparedness, urging parents to teach their children to follow the instructions of adults in such situations. He emphasized the need to find a hiding spot, seek cover, or use objects for protection if necessary.
The Shooting’s Toll
The attack occurred during a study hall that included students from different grades. Six individuals were injured. Two students remain in critical condition, while three other students and a teacher are expected to recover. Of these, two have already been released from medical care.
A Parent’s Nightmare
Madison native Bethany Highman, who once attended Abundant Life Christian School herself, recounted how she first learned of the shooting. Her mother, who lives nearby, called to alert her to the large police presence at the school.
“She had like an inside source kind of tell her, and I just bolted down [sic],” Highman explained. She rushed to the scene and contacted her husband but was unable to enter the school. Instead, she went to her mother’s house to await news.
Highman learned through her sister that her children were unharmed, but she hadn’t yet been reunited with them and didn’t know their exact whereabouts. Reflecting on the ordeal, she said, “I pray with my kids every morning that this won’t happen, and it’s the world that we live in.” Despite the tragedy, she expressed gratitude for her family’s safety.
Survivors Share Their Experiences
Among those who endured the tragedy was the Grange family—siblings Gideon and Ezra, who reunited with their mother, Brit, hours later.
Gideon described the principal’s announcement of a lockdown as unsettling, “I didn’t think much of it, but then it got really serious, and it was super sad. It kind of freaked everybody out.” He left the school without his coat, recalling the chaos as “crazy.”
Ezra, his sister, remembered hearing “gunshots and screaming.” Though terrified, she reassured others that she was feeling better after the long wait to reunite. During the ordeal, she texted her mom through her watch to let her know she was safe.
Brit expressed her relief, saying, “There’s no better feeling than knowing your kids are safe. My heart goes out to the families that aren’t that fortunate right now because we know them and love them.”
A Child’s Courage
One of the most remarkable acts of bravery came from 8-year-old second-grader Nora Gottschalk, who made the life-saving 911 call.
Nora had been in the hallway preparing for lunch when the shooting began. In an interview, she described witnessing a teacher she knew being injured, saying, “She was screaming, ‘Ah! My leg! Help, help!’”
Clutching a SpongeBob candy, Nora shared her emotions: “I was really scared, and I was really sad.”
A Community in Mourning
Abundant Life Christian School, with its close-knit community of around 420 students spanning kindergarten through high school, is known for its familial bonds. Parents and administrators have long described it as a place where everyone knows each other.
As the survivors begin to heal, the community’s support will be essential in navigating the long road to recovery. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by schools across the nation and the resilience of those left behind.