Police are investigating a shooting that led to three dead, including the juvenile shooter who was a student, at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison.
Seven people were taken to the hospital with injuries from the shooting at 10:57 a.m. local time on Monday. The injuries range from minor to life-threatening.
“Today is a sad, sad day,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a news conference shortly after noon. “Not only for Madison but our entire country.”
Barnes said he was dismayed at what occurred, especially near Christmas. Barnes said the Madison Police train for school shootings quarterly, most recently two weeks ago.
Police did not fire their weapons and the injuries to the shooter were believed to be self-inflicted, Barnes said.
“This is something that we all prepare for but hope we never have to do,” Barnes said.
Barnes added that the Madison Police are working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine the origin of the shooter’s gun.
Barnes said that he believes every person in the building is now a victim and will be a victim forever.
“Prayers Requested!” the school posted on its Facebook page. “Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS. We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family.”
“I am closely monitoring the incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers wrote on social media. “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.”
Note: Madison Police say that they erroneously reported that five had died during a 12:15 p.m. Monday press conference.
