Madison, Wis., school shooting leaves 4 dead, 5 injured; young suspect dead

Police in Madison, Wisconsin say they are responding to a shooting at a local Christian school Monday and say they have reports of multiple injuries.

Police say they responded to reports of an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School around 10:57 a.m. local time. They identified a “juvenile” dead at the scene who they believe was responsible for the shooting. They are urging local residents to avoid the area.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at least four people in addition to the shooter were killed and five people have been transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. Barnes did not clarify whether the deceased individuals were students or teachers.

“This is something you prepare for but hope you never have to do,” a police spokesman told reporters. “Today is a sad, sad day.”

Emergency vehicles are parked outside Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., where multiple injuries were reported after a shooting, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)

Barnes clarified that the injuries range from “minor to life-threatening.”

Police went on to say that they train for active shooter situations “almost quarterly” and that they had most recently completed the training about two weeks ago.

“The Madison Police Department is investigating a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. Multiple injuries have been reported. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available,” police said in a statement.

“We currently need people to avoid the area,” police added.

Emergency vehicles are parked outside Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., where multiple injuries were reported after a shooting, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)

Pupils have been fully evacuated from the school, and the police have made several clearances of the building. Barnes said they did a third check with bomb-sniffing dogs “just in case.”

This is a development story. Check back soon for updates.