How a Brave Second Grader Called 911 During the Wisconsin School Shooting
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| A brave second grader called 911 when Wisconsin shooter Natalie Rupnow started firing killing 2 and injuring 6 |
A Heroic Call for Help
At 11:57 a.m., police received the 911 call reporting an active shooter at the Christian school. Speaking about the child’s bravery, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said:
“Let that soak in for a minute—this is a second grader calling 911 to report an active shooting. That level of courage is beyond words.”
Within minutes, police arrived at the school to discover multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders, who were participating in a training exercise just three miles away, rushed to the scene and arrived in under three minutes—a critical factor in minimizing casualties.
The Rarity of Female School ShootersAnother aspect of the shooting that has drawn attention is Natalie Rupnow’s gender. Statistically, female shooters are rare in mass shooting events. Studies show that only 3% of mass shootings in the United States are carried out by females, making this case particularly unusual. Law enforcement experts have noted that such incidents often involve deeper issues, such as mental health struggles or personal grievances. Investigators are exploring these possibilities as they search for a motive behind Rupnow’s actions. |
The Tragedy Unfolds
The horrific attack began three hours into the school day when Rupnow arrived at the campus as usual. She reportedly retrieved a 9mm pistol and opened fire on students and teachers. By the time police arrived, one teacher and one student were fatally shot. Six others sustained injuries, including two students who remain in critical condition.
According to Chief Barnes, officers found Rupnow with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after combing through the building. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Student Response and Staff’s Preparedness
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| School children walk past police tape as they are escorted away from the scene of a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Dec. 16, 2024 |
Despite the terrifying circumstances, students and staff responded with remarkable composure, a testament to their preparedness. Barbara Wiers, Abundant Life’s Director of Elementary and School Relations, praised the students’ actions during the lockdown:
“Students handled themselves magnificently. When they heard ‘lockdown, lockdown,’ they immediately knew this wasn’t a drill. They followed protocols and stayed calm, even in the face of fear.”
Staff emphasized the importance of the safety drills regularly conducted at the school. While these drills are typically accompanied by reassurances that “this is just a drill,” Monday’s tragic events turned preparedness into reality.
 What is a 9mm Pistol? Weapon Used in the Wisconsin School Shooting |
What Happened Next: Parents, First Responders, and Reunions
As news of the shooting spread, parents rushed to the school, desperate for information about their children. Bethany Highman, the mother of one student, described the sheer panic of the moment:
“As soon as it happened, your world stops for a minute. Nothing else matters. You just bolt for the door and do everything you can to be with your kids.”
Survivors were later transported to an off-campus location, where emotional reunions occurred between students and their families. Meanwhile, first responders ensured the injured were stabilized and transported to nearby hospitals for care. Two individuals have since been discharged, while others remain hospitalized.
The Weapon: A 9mm Pistol
Investigators confirmed that the shooter used a 9mm pistol, a widely accessible and common handgun in the United States. Law enforcement officials are working to determine how the 15-year-old shooter gained access to the firearm.
This incident underscores concerns about gun access, particularly among minors. Chief Barnes stated that Rupnow’s family is fully cooperating with authorities as police search the family home and review all evidence.
What We Know So Far About the Wisconsin School Shooting• Authorities have identified the shooter in the tragic incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, as 15-year-old Natalie Samantha Rupnow. • According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, Rupnow fatally shot a teenage student and a substitute teacher during the attack, which occurred in a study hall session. In addition to the fatalities, six others were injured, including two students who remain in critical condition. • Three other students and one teacher were also wounded and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As of Monday evening, two of the injured victims had been released from the hospital. • While police have not yet confirmed how Rupnow acquired the firearm used in the attack, Chief Barnes stated that investigators are examining whether parental negligence played a role. Authorities are currently assessing whether Rupnow’s parents could be held legally accountable in connection with the shooting. |
Rumors and the Investigation
In the wake of the tragedy, rumors quickly surfaced online, including claims that Rupnow’s parents had gifted her the gun and trained her to use it. However, police have dismissed these allegations, stating there is no evidence to support such claims.
Chief Barnes emphasized that the shooter’s father has been fully cooperative with investigators:
“He lost someone as well. We are taking our time to determine what happened and ensure we have the full picture.”
Authorities are also reviewing an alleged manifesto attributed to Rupnow, which has been widely shared online. Investigators, including the FBI, are working to confirm its authenticity and any connections to the attack.
A Nation Grapples with Another School Shooting
This tragedy marks the 83rd school shooting in the United States this year and the 56th on K-12 school grounds, according to CNN’s records. It also adds to the staggering total of 487 mass shootings nationwide in 2024, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive.
President Joe Biden expressed condolences and renewed calls for stricter gun control legislation, urging Congress to take action:
“It is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence. We cannot continue to accept it as normal.”
Conclusion: A Community Forever Changed
The courageous actions of a second-grade student, who made the 911 call during the shooting, have drawn praise and recognition as a glimmer of heroism amid tragedy. The incident has left Abundant Life Christian School reeling, but it also highlights the strength and bravery of students, staff, and first responders who acted quickly to save lives.
While authorities continue their investigation, the community—and the nation—mourns yet another senseless act of violence. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing challenges of school safety, gun access, and the mental health crisis among youth.
As Chief Barnes said:
“Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will carry this trauma forever. These types of tragedies don’t just go away.”
For the families and survivors, the road to healing will be long, but the bravery shown during those harrowing moments—especially by one young child—will not be forgotten.
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