Shooting at Wisconsin School in US... 3 Dead Including Student Suspect

A shooting incident occurred on the 16th (local time) at a Christian private school located in Wisconsin, USA, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a suspect enrolled at the school.

EPA Yonhap News

According to the New York Times (NYT) and others, the shooting took place around 11 a.m. at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. Sean F. Barnes, chief of the Madison Police Department, announced in a briefing immediately after the incident that a teenage student opened fire, killing five people including other students and teachers, but later corrected the death toll to three, including the suspect. He also confirmed that six people were injured and transported to the hospital, including two critically wounded individuals.

The identities of the suspect, as well as the deceased and injured, including their gender and age, have not been disclosed. The suspect was found dead at the scene. The NYT reported that it is presumed to be a suicide. The firearm used was immediately confiscated by the police. The police have completed a search of the suspect’s residence and are investigating the motive behind the crime. Chief Barnes said, "We have not yet determined the motive, but we are looking for it," adding, "All the children and everyone inside the school building are victims and will forever remain victims."

Founded in 1978, Abundant Life Christian School is a Christian private school with about 390 students, operating an integrated curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade (high school). The school shooting, which occurred just before the Christmas holidays, has shocked not only Madison but the entire United States. Wisconsin prohibits minors from possessing firearms and has made it illegal to store firearms in locations easily accessible to children.

The NYT highlighted the fact that the shooting occurred at a private school, citing the K-12 School Shooting Database to report that this was the 323rd shooting at an elementary or middle school in the United States this year. Madison Mayor Satya Rose-Conney expressed condolences, calling it "a day filled with immense sorrow."

U.S. President Joe Biden urged Congress to pass gun safety legislation in a statement. He emphasized, "We cannot tolerate failing to protect our children from the disaster of gun violence."