EDIT of December 17, 2024, at 9:53 a.m.: Updated with the age of the suspect and the new toll of the victims, dead or injured.
On Monday, the city of Madison, Wisconsin was hit by a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, a private Christian school. A student opened fire, killing two people and injuring six others before killing herself. Founded in 1978, the establishment educates around 400 students from kindergarten to high school. 20 Minutes takes stock of the new drama affecting the United States.
What happened Monday in Wisconsin?
The shooting broke out shortly before 11 a.m. at this private school which welcomes students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Law enforcement was alerted to an “active shooter” incident. The first officers arrived about three minutes later, said Shon Barnes, the police chief. When they arrived, they evacuated the scene and secured the perimeter.
When the students understood that the alert was not an exercise, they reacted “brilliantly,” greeted Barbara Wiers, a school official, during a press conference. Questioned by the local channel WISC, a young student claimed to have heard two gunshots. “We heard them and some people started crying, and then we just waited for the police to arrive,” he said, in this extract broadcast by CNN. “I was scared. »
What is the toll of the killing?
On site, the police discovered three bodies, including that of the suspect, a 15-year-old student who apparently committed suicide by turning her weapon against herself (a 9 mm caliber pistol). A teacher and a student were also killed. Police say two of the six injured are in critical condition, while the others suffered less serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Authorities quickly confirmed that no shots were fired by law enforcement and that there was no longer any immediate danger to the community.
Among the injured hospitalized, two students were between life and death this Tuesday, two people are in stable condition, and two others were able to leave the hospital, according to the authorities.
What is the profile of the alleged killer?
Police confirmed the shooter was a student enrolled at Abundant Life Christian School. It concerns a 15-year-old student, police announced Monday evening. “She was pronounced dead during her transfer to a local hospital,” said Shon Barnes, the police chief, adding that the student had, according to initial information, succumbed to “a gunshot wound that she self-inflicted.”
The identity of the suspect has not been made public. No precise information has yet been communicated on his career or his background.
Where is the investigation?
This Tuesday, investigators are still seeking to understand the teenager's motivations, Barnes having specified that members of her family had been questioned. According to CNN, the family of the student suspected of having opened fire is indeed cooperating “fully with the police”. In a previous press conference, the Madison police chief specified that a “handgun” had been found.
An investigation is underway and law enforcement is working with local and federal authorities to analyze the circumstances of the shooting. The shooter's motives remain unclear at this time, but investigators are examining his psychological state and possible warning signs. School authorities and social services in Wisconsin have set up crisis units to provide psychological support to students, staff and families. Special telephone lines have been activated for those who feel the need to speak to a professional.
What are the reactions?
Shon Barnes called the event “a sad day for Madison and for the country.” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also responded to X: “We pray for the children, teachers and entire community at Abundant Life Christian School. We are grateful to the first responders who responded quickly. » The school posted a message on its Facebook page asking for prayers for the affected families.
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Local leaders, including Sen. Ron Johnson, offered their condolences to the victims' families on social media. Many elected officials are calling for in-depth reflection on the measures to be taken to prevent such tragedies. From the White House, Joe Biden sent his prayers to the entire city community. In a statement, the outgoing president called the shooting “shocking” and “senseless.” He urged Congress to “act” to pass more restrictive laws in a country with more individual firearms than people.
All our information on the United States
More than 16,000 people have been killed by firearms since the start of the year in the country, according to Gun Violence Archive, with the NGO recording in 2024 at least 487 cases of shootings resulting in at least four deaths or injuries.
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