According to US media reports, on December 16, local time, a shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School, a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. The following is relevant information about the incident:
Overview of the incident: The shooting caused 3 deaths, including the gunman, and 6 injuries. The police initially said that the death toll was 5, but later confirmed and updated it to 3.
Information of the gunman: The gunman was a 17-year-old female student of the school. She used a 9mm pistol and died at the scene before the police arrived.}
School situation: The school is a non-denominational private school that enrolls students from kindergarten to 12th grade, with about 390 students.
Rescue and follow-up: The first aid training personnel of the police station, which was about 3 miles away from the scene, quickly arrived to assist in the rescue. Some of the injured were sent to St. Mary’s Hospital, and others were sent to the University of Wisconsin Hospital for treatment. After the incident, the school was temporarily closed and students were taken to a reunion center by bus. Students and faculty are receiving mental health support. Community organizations and religious groups have also quickly intervened to provide assistance to affected families.
Responses from all parties: US President Biden has been briefed on the shooting, and White House officials have been in touch with local officials in Madison to provide the necessary support. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a statement praying for the children, educators and the entire school community, and thanked the first responders. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has rushed to the scene to assist local law enforcement agencies in tracing the source of the gun to determine the process of its purchase and possession.
Social impact: The incident has aroused widespread social concern. Wisconsin Democratic Congressman Mark Pokan called on Congress to take action on gun issues to avoid more shootings. According to statistics from the US “Gun Violence Archive” website, in 2024, more than 110 school-related gun incidents resulting in casualties occurred across the United States; in various gun violence incidents, more than 1,300 minors were shot and killed.