Report: 5 Dead, 5 Injured at Wisconsin Christian School Shooting

A shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin reportedly led to the deaths of five people, with another five injured, according to a police press conference held at a nearby gas station by Madison Police Department (MPD) Chief Shon Barnes.

Barnes confirmed the latest information during his 12:15 p.m. press conference indicated there were five individuals killed at the Abundant Life Christian School.

The chief did not state whether the five who died includes the shooter, who Barnes confirmed was a juvenile student at the school, and was found dead inside the building. Barnes said he could not state whether those killed at the school are students or staff members until family members were notified.

“Officers found a juvenile who they believe was responsible for this deceased inside the building. Additionally, the officers began administering life saving efforts to anyone who was wounded,” said Barnes. “What we know is a total of about seven persons were transported from the scene from the area hospital for treatment.”

Barnes confirmed that police did not fire their weapons, but found the shooter dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. While he confirmed the shooter was a juvenile student at the Christian school, he told the press, “I don’t know if it’s a male or a female, but the police department did not fire their weapons.”

Barnes said there was no known threat to nearby schools, but confirmed security precautions were taken to prevent students entering or leaving the building in the wake of the attack. He additionally confirmed police were searching for explosives and other devices as a precaution.

The Abundant Life Christian School website explains it was founded in 1978 as “a community Christian school,” and teaches kindergarten through 12th grade. The website states the school serves 200 families from 56 churches throughout Dane County, Wisconsin, including Madison, on its 28-acre campus.

A school calendar reveals Monday was the start of students’ final week of classes prior to the school’s Christmas vacation, with classes scheduled to be suspended until January 2.

– – –

Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].