At least three people were killed and six others were injured in a shooting at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, police said.
The suspected shooter, a young student at the school, was found dead at the scene, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a news conference. At least six others were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, Barnes said. He did not say whether the dead or injured were students or teachers.
Police previously incorrectly reported that five people were dead, including the gunman, and five others were injured. Police updated the death and injury toll shortly after the first press conference: “Three have died. A total of nine were injured, including the three fatalities.”
Police did not fire their weapons when responding to the shooting, Barnes said.
Abundant Life Christian School is a private K-12 school located approximately five miles east of the Wisconsin State Capitol. The police have asked people to avoid the area. There are no threats to other schools in the area at this time, Barnes said.
“Honestly, I’m a little dismayed,” the police chief told reporters when asked how he felt. “So close to Christmas. Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will forever be a victim. These types of traumas don’t just go away. … My heart is heavy for my community. My heart is heavy for Madison.”
Barnes said he was not aware of metal detectors at the school. He noted that because the school is private, it does not fall under the authority of the Madison Metropolitan School District.
“My sincere condolences and prayers for all the victims of the Abundant Life Christian School tragedy,” Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., wrote on X. “I will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
This is a development story. Check back for updates.
This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
