Article Summary –
On December 16, a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, resulted in the deaths of a teacher and a student, with the shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, also dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, making it Wisconsin’s deadliest school shooting. The community reacted with mourning and support, organizing a vigil and prayer service while grappling with the ongoing threat of gun violence and the need for legislative change. Calls for action were made by individuals like Ellie West and public officials, emphasizing the bravery required for students and parents to continue with daily life amid the pervasive fear of such incidents.
Just before 11 a.m. on Dec. 16, a second-grade teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison made an urgent 911 call: a shooting had occurred at the school.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes reported that 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire in a study hall, killing a teacher and another student before shooting herself. Six others were hurt. The police are investigating to find Rupnow’s motive and how she obtained the gun. It marks the deadliest school shooting in Wisconsin’s history.
The community, poised for a festive week ahead of Christmas break with events like basketball games and Christmas sweaters, was instead plunged into mourning. Outside the small, private Christian school, mourners created a memorial. On Dec. 17, several hundred gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for a candlelight vigil, while hundreds more attended a prayer service at City Church next to the school.
“We must not let violence define us,” Barnes stated at a press conference, describing the event as “haunting.” He emphasized honoring the survivors and victims through love and support.
The vigil was a solemn gathering. Positioned between the Capitol’s glow and a Christmas tree were three signed wooden crosses, surrounded by candles and flowers. The air was filled with the scent of melting wax and candles as attendees helped light wicks. Gospel music played, coinciding with church bells at 6 p.m. as the vigil started. Attendees embraced and cried together.
Ellie West, a University of Wisconsin-Madison student, was at a daycare when she heard the news. Staff called parents to check on their older kids, and West contacted a family she nannies.
“All my coworkers were crying. It was terrible,” West shared with the Wisconsin Independent.
West, whose parents teach in St. Louis, worries daily about their safety and fears for the children she cares for as they grow and attend school.
“I had to show support. This is really hard,” said West. “I wanted to demonstrate that Madison stands with them, the students support them, and we care.”
Lara Kenny, familiar with some Abundant Life students through volleyball coaching, reached out to parents upon hearing the news, relieved to learn they were unharmed. She thought of her own son at a different high school, considering whether to inform him.
Kenny appreciated the community gathering, noting the widespread impact: “I met several people, including a firefighter from the response, and parents from other schools with friends at Abundant Life.”
Despite concerns, many parents decided to send their kids back to school. Kenny did, saying it was no more unsettling than other days due to the constant threat of school shootings.
“Today, our kids, my kids, teachers nationwide, bravely attended school,” Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said during the press conference. “Parents dropped their kids off, showing bravery and belief in our community, a burden that shouldn’t be on their shoulders.”
Agard found it difficult for her son to attend school the following morning, noting today’s kids face a different world, rife with constant news.
“Mass shootings feel foreboding, and we wonder where and when the next will happen. This time, it was here,” Agard expressed.
The community rallied around the shooting’s victims and survivors. Agard described the response as the “Dane County way,” drawing national attention from figures like President Joe Biden and Sesame Street. United Way of Dane County established an emergency fund for those affected, raising over $21,000 by Tuesday night. Madison created a resource page offering mental health support and ways to aid victims.
As the investigation and holiday season progress, Kenny expressed disappointment over the lack of collective action on gun violence and inadequate support for young students. West urged lawmakers to act, saying, “Grief isn’t the end. Without real changes in gun laws, this will happen again. Congress must act because I want my kids safe at school. They deserve that.”
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