The school acknowledged the incident on its Facebook page, asking the community for prayers. They informed followers that they were still gathering details and would share updates when possible.

Madison authorities later confirmed that the tragic shooting resulted in the deaths of a student and a teacher. The alleged shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow — who was also known as Samantha — died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while being transported to the hospital.

Investigators disclosed that Rupnow had premeditated the attack and had been facing personal challenges, which she documented in writings currently being analyzed by detectives. Officials have also started interviewing her family to learn more about her circumstances.

When addressing parents, Barnes encouraged them to teach their children to follow the directions of the adults in charge, seek a place to hide, find cover, or use something to protect themselves. He said listening to the adults in the room is critical.

The shooting took place during a study hall with students from various grades. Authorities reported that six individuals were injured during the incident.

“She had like an inside source kind of tell her and I just bolted down [sic],” Highman explained. She rushed to the scene and called her husband. Unable to enter the school, the concerned parent went to her mother’s house.

Through her sister, she received updates and learned that her loved ones were safe. Although Highman’s daughter was unharmed, she hadn’t yet been reunited with her and was unsure of her whereabouts. The news was alarming since her children, nieces, nephews, and sister attended the school.

Parents and students finally reunited after the Madison school shooting, including the Grange family — siblings Gideon and Ezra with their mother, Brit. Minutes after reuniting, the trio shared their experiences in a joint interview.

Gideon recalled how the principal announced a lockdown amid the chaotic scene, “I didn’t think much of it, but then it got like really serious and it was super sad. […] It kind of freaked everybody out.”

Meanwhile, Ezra, his sister, remembered hearing “gunshots and screaming,” during the incident which was “really scary.” Though she felt “terrified,” she assured the interviewer she was feeling better.

During the wait to reunite, which lasted five to six hours, Ezra texted her mom through her watch to let her know she was safe.

Brit expressed relief and empathy, “I mean, there’s no better feeling than knowing your kids are safe. My heart goes out to the families that aren’t that fortunate right now because we know them and love them.”

She was in the hallway preparing for lunch when the violence began. The youngster described seeing a teacher she knew had been injured, “She was screaming, ‘Ah! My leg! Help, help!'”

Abundant Life Christian School, with over 400 students ranging from kindergarteners to high schoolers, is known for its close-knit community. Parents and administrators have long described the school as a place where everyone knows one another and bonds run deep.