Multiple deaths reported after school shooting in Wisconsin

The underage gunman shot himself as officers closed in, Madison Police Department has stated

A gunman shot at least two people dead and injured seven more before committing suicide at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, according to police.

The incident took place at Abundant Life Christian School, a private institution that teaches children from kindergarten up to 12th grade.

The gunman, a student at the school, opened fire shortly before 11am, Madison Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told reporters. Two victims were killed immediately, while seven others were injured, Barnes said.

The shooter, whom police have not named, shot himself dead as law enforcement officers arrived on the scene to intervene.

Video footage filmed outside the school showed a heavy presence of police and other emergency vehicles.

This is the scene at Buckeye Road on Madison’s east side, regarding the school shooting. Abundant Life School/church is the location. pic.twitter.com/cRov5rK3je

— Kid Riles (@kid_riles) December 16, 2024

“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,” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said in a statement.

The incident took place six months after police shot and killed a 14-year-old who tried to break into a middle school in Mount Horeb, 20km (13 miles) from Madison. Prosecutors declined to press charges against the two officers who shot the teen, stating that he refused repeated requests to drop a realistic-looking air rifle he was holding.