MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Madison officials revealed a teen student and teacher were killed in a shooting Monday morning at Madison Abundant Life Christian School.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated during a news conference early Monday afternoon that there were three dead, including the teen suspect, who was a student at the school. MPD received the call of an active shooter at 10:57 a.m. Monday.
In a press conference at 8:30 p.m., Barnes explained a second grader was the one who made the 911 call reporting the shooting.
In the same conference, Barnes described the suspected shooter as a 15-year-old girl. She died on the way to the hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Barnes.
The shooting happened during a study hall with students from a mix of grades.
Police said six other people are injured. Two of the students are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Three students and a teacher are expected to survive. Two of those four people have been released.
clarification: In a Facebook post, Madison Police said they erroneously reported the wrong number of deaths and injuries. The following is their correction:
“Shooting update: At this time, three people are deceased. During the media briefing earlier this afternoon, it was erroneously shared 5 were deceased. Again, three people are deceased. Nine in total were injured, including the three deceased.”
MPD announced that the SSM Health/Dean Clinic at 1821 S. Stoughton Road would be the reunification area for families.
Authorities said the school is clear and that there are no other threats. Chief Barnes added that law enforcement did not fire their weapons. Police said they recovered a handgun.
Madison Police asked people to avoid the 4900 block of East Buckeye Road. WMTV 15 News crews reported several roads near the school are blocked to traffic.
Abundant Life Christian School officials asked for prayers on Facebook.
“Prayers Requested! 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.”
Officials at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital confirmed that they received patients from the school. They added they could not give any other information.
Metro Transit said that Route C would be impacted by the emergency situation.
“Route C2 detours from Buckeye Rd., between Stoughton Rd. and Cottontail (end of the line) until further notice,” the notice said. “Buses will detour via Cottage Grove Rd. and complete their end of the line layover at the Kwik Trip on New Sprecher Rd.”
Gary Herrmann lives near Abundant Life Christian School, he said it took a couple moments before the reality of the situation hit him.
“I didn’t want to believe it. First I thought it was an accident,” he said. “And then when I heard shooter, that’s when it really hit me.”
Monona PD and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office are one of the many law enforcement agencies assisting Madison PD. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives is on scene as well.
Around 11:20 a.m., a public safety alert was sent out to nearby phones. A neighbor tells WMTV 15 News that she heard gunshots.
According to ALCS’s website, the school serves about 200 families. It is a 28-acre campus serving grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the school shooting, a White House spokesperson said.
“The President has been briefed on the school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. Senior White House officials are in touch with local counterparts in Madison to provide support as needed,” senior deputy press secretary Emilie Simons said.
Barnes added that medics were training nearby and responded to the shooting.
“They left the training center immediately and came down here — and doing in real time what they were actually practicing for,” Barnes said at a news conference.
If you are in a crisis, support resources are always available through the mental health crisis line at 988.
WMTV 15 News is live on the scene working to learn more. This article will be updated as information becomes available.
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