Two victims of the Wisconsin school shooting have been identified, while a man has also been detained in connection with the murders.
The tragic school shooting unfolded Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, leaving two dead and six injured, including four students.
The suspected shooter has since been identified as 15-year-old Natalie ‘Samantha’ Rupnow.
Crime scene tape continues to be stretched around Abundant Life Christian School as police continue to investigate Monday’s shooting. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty
The shooting occurred at 10:57AM, as students were gearing up for their final week of school before the holiday break, according to CNN.
Law enforcement arrived on the scene within minutes.
A Dane County Sheriff’s deputy and a Madison police officer entered the building to confront the situation, while medics training nearby provided vital assistance to the wounded.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that a teacher and a student lost their lives in the shooting.
Two other students remain in critical condition, while a teacher and two additional students sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police stand guard outside the home of 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow after she killed two people at school in Wisconsin. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identities of the two people who lost their lives in a news release on Wednesday, December 18.
The victims are 42-year-old Erin M. West, and 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara, as reported by PEOPLE.
Both victims died due to “homicidal firearm-related trauma,” according to preliminary autopsy results.
Rubi Vergara. Credit: Gunderson Funeral Home
Vergara, a freshman, was described in her obituary as an “avid reader” with a passion for art, music, and singing. She played the keyboard in her family’s worship band and shared a special bond with her pets, Ginger and Coco.
West, who served as the school’s substitute coordinator, was remembered for her contributions to the Abundant Life Christian School community.
Erin West. Credit: Abundant Life Christian School
According to the New York Post, a 20-year-old man from Carlsbad, California, has been detained for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a government building in coordination with Rupnow.
Alexander Paffendorf reportedly exchanged messages with Rupnow, according to a gun violence restraining order obtained by CBS 8.
The restraining order states that Paffendorf admitted to FBI agents that he had planned to arm himself with explosives and a gun to target an unspecified government building while Rupnow carried out her attack on the school.
“During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building,” the emergency order from the Carlsbad Police Department states.
People leave messages on crosses during a vigil on the grounds of the state Capital building to mourn the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School . Credit: Scott Olson/Getty
The civil order, issued under California’s red flag law, does not specify which government building was allegedly targeted or the full extent of Paffendorf’s communications with Rupnow.
A judge approved the restraining order late Tuesday night, requiring Paffendorf to surrender all firearms and ammunition within 48 hours.
Soon after, neighbors reported seeing more than a dozen police cars descend on Paffendorf’s residence.
The messages exchanged between Paffendorf and Rupnow are being examined for clues about the high school freshman’s motive for her attack.
People attended a vigil on the grounds of the state Capital building to mourn the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty
Sixth-grader Adler Jean-Charles described the terror as the shooting unfolded.
“We heard [the gunshots]. And some people started crying. And then we just waited until the police came and they escorted us out to the church,” he told reporters.
Adler recounted how his class initially believed the situation was a lockdown drill.
“They gave us some food and then waited for them to transport us to the hospital and get our moms and dads,” he said.
His mother, Mireille Jean-Charles, spoke through tears about the emotional toll on her family.
“Thank God they were safe,” she said. “But the trauma. It’s a lot, as I’m sure they lost friends and teachers, which is not OK. I don’t think they will be OK for a long time, and I’m not.”
In the wake of the tragedy, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris renewed calls for action to address gun violence in the United States.
“This shooting is shocking and unconscionable,” Biden said in a statement. “It is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence.”
A teacher and a student sadly lost their lives and six others were injured.. Credit: Andy Manis / Getty
Biden urged Congress to pass legislation such as universal background checks, a national red flag law, and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Harris echoed these sentiments, stating: “We must renew our commitment to end the horror of gun violence… and we need elected leaders to have the courage to step up and do the right thing.”
The police have urged anyone who knew Rupnow or had insights into her feelings to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.
