Police Say at Least 3 Dead, 6 Injured in Wisconsin Christian School Shooting

Emergency vehicles are parked outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., following a shooting, on Dec. 16, 2024. Scott Bauer/AP Photo

At least three people are dead and several others were injured after a shooting on Dec. 16 at a Christian school in Wisconsin, according to police.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes was speaking to reporters when the death toll rose to five. Later, he told reporters that the figure was revised down to three deaths again.

A teacher and a teen student were killed in the shooting at a Wisconsin school by a student, Barnes later said. Six people were injured, and two are in critical condition, according to the chief.

The shooting suspect, who was not named, likely died by suicide after the incident, Barnes said. The suspect’s gender and age were also not disclosed.

Officers responded to a call about an active shooter at the Abundant Life Christian School at 10:57 a.m. local time, he said.

“Our officers were responding to a call of an active shooter at the Abundant Life Christian School here in Madison,” Barnes said at a press conference. “When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.”

Officials separately said that the shooting “remains an active and ongoing investigation.”

Barnes said in the press conference that he won’t provide any details on the victims, including their names or whether they are staff or students, until their next of kin are notified. He also will not provide details about the suspect.

He identified the weapon police found as a handgun, noting that the gunfire was confined to one space. He didn’t specify whether it was a classroom.

Police officers who responded to the scene did not fire their weapons, Barnes told reporters.

“Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever. ... We need to figure out and try to piece together what exactly happened,” Barnes added.

Multiple elected officials in the state publicly responded to the shooting on social media on the afternoon of Dec. 16.

“We are praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life school community as we await more information and are grateful for the first responders who are working quickly to respond,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement on social media.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) wrote on social media: “My sincere condolences and prayers for all the victims of the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School. I will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) said: “I have been briefed on the active shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison and my heart goes out to all those impacted. My office is in touch with local and state officials, and I stand ready to assist law enforcement and anyone affected.”

The White House told reporters that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident and that Biden administration officials are in contact with their counterparts in Madison to offer support if necessary.

Authorities from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are responding to the scene, it confirmed.

Abundant Life Christian School is a nondenominational K–12 school with about 390 students, according to the school’s website.

“Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS,” the school wrote in a Facebook post. “We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.