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

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

According to Barnes, a second-grader made the critical 911 call during the shooting. He expressed, “To me, it makes my heart skip a beat to think about that. We teach our kids if something is wrong to call what? To call 911, and so the child was able to do that.”

The law enforcement officer indicated that the student who called 911 was likely in a separate room from the shooter but responded swiftly and appropriately.

Additionally, Barnes emphasized the significance of preparedness, noting that the sound of gunfire is typically unmistakable. He pointed out how teachers promptly initiated lockdown procedures and how the students recognized and followed those instructions.

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

Two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while three students and a teacher are expected to recover. Authorities also confirmed that two of those four have already been released.

Highman, now a parent with a daughter attending the school, learned about the situation when her mother, who lives nearby, called to report a significant police presence in the area. Her mother urged her to remain calm, explaining that there was an active shooter at the school.

“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. Since her children, nieces, nephews, and sister attend the school, the news was alarming.

Highman reflected on the terrifying reality that many parents now face, “I pray with my kids every morning that this won’t happen, and it’s the world that we live in.” Despite the tragedy, she took solace in her faith, expressing gratitude that her children and family were safe.

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.” When police instructed everyone to flee the building, Gideon left without his coat, describing the situation as “crazy.”

Meanwhile, Ezra, his sister, remembered hearing “gunshots and screaming,” during the incident which was “really scary.” Though she felt “terrified,” she assured the interviewer that she was feeling better. During the long wait to reunite, which lasted five to six hours, Ezra texted her mom through her watch to let her know she was safe.

Regarding the reunion, Brit expressed both 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. In a separate interview, the youngster described seeing a teacher she knew who had been injured, “She was screaming, ‘Ah! My leg! Help, help!’

Clutching a SpongeBob candy, the student also reflected on her emotions during the ordeal, “I was really scared, and I was really sad.”