Multiple deaths in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison

The suspected shooter, a juvenile, is thought to be among those killed. At least six others have been wounded, as well.

NOTE: This is an active story and will be updated.

A school shooting Monday morning in Madison has left three people dead, including a juvenile believed to be the shooter. Six others were wounded and transported to area hospitals.

Police were called to Abundant Life Christian School at 10:57 a.m., said Madison Police Chief Shon F. Barnes, where officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Barnes would not clarify how many of the 10 dead and wounded are students or adults. He said the wounded were in conditions ranging from “minor” to “life-threatening.”

“Officers located a juvenile who they believe was responsible for this, deceased in the building,” Barnes said. He indicated the shooter was a student at the school. 

Nearly 400 students, kindergarten through 12th grade, attend the private school on Madison’s east side.

Parents rushed to a nearby medical clinic that is serving as a family reunification center while police sealed off and searched the school campus to ensure there were no other threats. 

“Prayers Requested!” read a post on the school’s 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.”

Reaction was immediate from civic leaders.

“I am closely monitoring the incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison,” said Gov. Tony Evers, a career educator. “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.”

“We are in touch with local law enforcement,” said US Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Black Earth), “and will continue to monitor the situation and offer any assistance we can provide to our first responders.”

“My heart is with the Abundant Life Christian School community,” said Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison). “As details emerge, my office will remain a resource for students, staff, and the greater Madison community.”

“My heart goes out to the families affected, this school community, and all of greater Madison—especially during the holiday season,” said Rep. Mike Bare (D-Verona). “Our schools should be sanctuaries from violence.”

In a statement, the White House said President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting and officials were in touch with local authorities to provide support.

Abundant Life Christian School is nondenominational.

John Diaz De Leon, who lives nearby and attends the adjacent City Church, told WMTV-TV he heard an intense blare of sirens as police responded.

“I didn’t know there were that many squad cars in Madison. We saw a few guys with long guns. They went into the school with a dog,” De Leon said of police. “Later on I saw groups of kids coming out of the school into the church sanctuary.”

This past weekend marked the 12th anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman killed six adults and 20 children, all ages 6 or 7.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.