MADISON, Wis. — Three people are dead and six are injured after a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, police said.
Among the dead are the suspected shooter, a teacher, and a student, according to the Madison Police Department.
Six others were injured, including two students who are in critical condition at a hospital, police said.
The other four injured individuals, all students, are hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the suspected shooter was a teenage student who attended the school. The shooter's age and gender were not released.
The school has been cleared, and police said there is no ongoing threat. Authorities are ensuring all students are accounted for and reunited with their families.
MPD says that the SSM Health/Dean Clinic on Stoughton Road will be used as a reunification area for families, according to WMTV.
Officers are asking people to avoid the area of East Buckeye Road.
According to the school's website, Abundant Life serves about 200 families and students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Watch: Police responding to school shooting in Madison.
In response to its use as a reunification center, leaders with the clinic have chosen to end all operations for the day. Staff will reach out to patients to reschedule appointments.
MPD Chief Shon Barnes says his officers train on these types of scenarios almost every quarter and had their most recent training about two weeks ago. He says the priority is to stop the killing and find the shooter and he told reporters during a press update that his "officers did that and they did that admirably."
Governor Tony Evers released a statement on X saying he's "closely monitoring the incident" and that he's "praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life school community."
I am closely monitoring the incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. We are praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life school community as we await more information and are grateful for the first responders who are working quickly to respond.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) December 16, 2024
Evers is ordering the flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also joined the conversation, sharing a heartfelt message on social media, expressing grief over the tragedy and calling for legislative change.
“Legislators at the state Capitol and at the U.S. Capitol have to stop wringing their hands,” Johnson said in a post on X. “There are changes they can make that will help reduce gun violence in schools.”
My heart is heavy following the shooting at a Madison school. I can’t imagine the pain for families, teachers and students. https://t.co/2HwXnSvCAk
— Mayor Cavalier Johnson (@MayorMKE) December 16, 2024
Officials with the White House say President Joe Biden is also aware of the incident and is "in touch with local counterparts in Madison to provide support as needed."
This story will be updated on air and online.
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