Authorities identified Natalie Rupnow, 15, who went by the name “Samantha,” as a suspect in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School early Monday morning in Madison, Wisconsin, according to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes. .
Evidence suggests the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Barnes reported at a news conference Monday night, adding that she was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.
Officials have asked the community not to hold a vigil at the school as it is still an active crime scene, which is being monitored by police overnight and no one is allowed on school property.
Barnes provided additional updates during a press conference later Monday night:
- Location: the shooting took place “in a classroom located in a study hall for students in mixed grades”;
- Child called emergency: a second grader at the school called 911 to report the shooting;
- Reported manifesto: Authorities are aware of what was posted, and the person who posted it is “allegedly linked to the victim, but we have not been able to verify whether it is authentic.” Officials did not locate who made the post, but shared information with the FBI for help;
- Suspect’s family: The suspect’s father spoke to police at one of the facilities, investigators are trying to determine what he may or may not have known;
- The suspect’s gender: Asked by a reporter whether the suspect was transgender, the officer said he didn’t know and “frankly, I don’t think it’s important.” Adding that he doesn’t think what happened “has anything to do with it”;
- No previous interactions: Police are not aware of any prior interactions with the 15-year-old suspect;
- Victims: Barnes said he wants to make sure all family members are notified before releasing the ages and names of the shooting victims. Additionally, two of the six people who were injured are students in critical condition and have life-threatening injuries.
This content was originally published on See the latest updates on US school shootings on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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