The youngest survivors of the recent school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, are speaking out about the horror they witnessed.
As police investigate the motive behind the attack, including a possible manifesto left by the shooter, Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, the accounts from children as young as eight are chilling.
Rupnow, 15, opened fire on students and staff in the study hall before turning the gun on herself.
Tragically, one teacher and one student were killed, while several others remain hospitalized with varying degrees of injury.
The survivors’ testimonies have shed light on the panic and fear that gripped the school that morning.
Haunting Stories from Those Who Lived Through It
Eight-year-old Nora Gottsckalk, who was in the hallway at the time of the shooting, recalled seeing a teacher she knew well injured in the attack.
“She was screaming, ‘Ah my leg, help, help,'” Nora said, still visibly shaken as she reunited with her family.
She described feeling “really scared” and “really sad” in the moments after the violence unfolded.
Sixth-grader Alder Jean-Charles was also in class when he heard gunshots ring out.
“Some people started crying, and then we just waited until the police came and they escorted us out,” Alder said.
“I was scared. Why did they do that?” he questioned.
When reunited with his family, Alder and his two brothers cried and prayed together, their mother, Mireille Jean-Charles, expressing her gratitude that her children were safe but acknowledging the lasting emotional toll the event would have on them.
Investigating the Shooter’s Background
As law enforcement continues to investigate the shooting, they are focusing on Rupnow’s potential motives.
Police raided her home later that afternoon, eight miles from the school, deploying SWAT teams and throwing stun grenades.
They are reviewing a possible manifesto, though its authenticity has not been confirmed.
Rupnow’s family is cooperating with the investigation, but police have stated that she was not previously on their radar.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes clarified that the shooter had no known connections to law enforcement prior to the incident.
Additionally, he addressed online speculation regarding Rupnow’s gender, stating that such details were irrelevant to the tragedy.
“I don’t think whatever happened today has anything to do with how she or he or they may want to identify,” Barnes said.
Community Rallies Around the Survivors
The tragedy has left the community in shock, but the survivors are receiving support from across the nation.
Abundant Life Christian School posted a message on social media urging prayers for those affected.
“We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able,” the school said in the wake of the attack.
Local residents have also rallied around the victims, with mourners gathering at nearby Blackhawk Church to pray for the survivors.
National Attention and Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation into the shooting continues, officials at all levels of government have expressed their condolences.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson both offered their sympathies, as did President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the incident.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims and uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.
As the community of Madison begins the difficult process of healing, the investigation into Natalie Rupnow’s actions and potential motivations continues.