Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
The police have named the suspect involved in the shooting at a private Christian school, where a teacher and a student were wounded, and her alleged ‘manifesto’ has appeared on social media.
Natalie ‘Samantha’ Rupnow, 15, is reportedly responsible for injuring six individuals and taking the lives of two people during her attack at the K-12 Abundant Life Christian School located in Wisconsin, on Monday (December 16). Some victims are still in the hospital fighting for their lives.
According to reports, the teenager brought a handgun to the school and opened fire on students of various grade levels during a study hall.
A second-grade student made a 911 call shortly before 11am, according to the police.
Within minutes, police officers arrived at the school and discovered several victims with gunshot injuries, along with Rupnow, who was deceased.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated during a briefing on Monday night that the suspect, known as ‘Samantha’, was a former student at the school.
Evidence indicates that Rupnow succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the way to the hospital, Barnes mentioned.
A document, believed to be Rupnow’s ‘manifesto’, has been making the rounds on social media.
This locked six-page document, purportedly shared by her online boyfriend, is titled ‘War Against Humanity’.
Nevertheless, Barnes stated that the police have been ‘unable to verify’ the document’s authenticity.
He further added, “We’re certainly aware that it’s been posted and the person who posted it, alleged to have a connection with the victim.”
The chief mentioned that the information has been forwarded to the FBI for assistance, with the police currently continuing their investigation to uncover the suspect’s motive.
Officers are in the process of interviewing her parents, who are reportedly ‘cooperating’, and have also conducted a search of her home.
Barnes noted that they are striving to gather as much information as possible.
Investigators have reason to believe that Rupnow used a 9mm pistol, and a handgun was located at the crime scene, according to police statements.
The identities of the two deceased victims have not yet been disclosed.
Regarding the six injured, Barnes mentioned that two students are in critical condition with ‘life-threatening’ injuries, while the other four suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Two of these students have been discharged from the hospital in ‘stable condition’.
Barnes termed the incident as a ‘sad day for our community and for our country’.
President Joe Biden also addressed the shooting, calling it ‘shocking and unconscionable’, and urged Congress to take action to address gun violence.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. You can call or text 988, or use the chat feature at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.