A gunman opened fire at a Christian school in Wisconsin on Monday, killing two people and injuring six others, with the police chief calling it a sad day not only for the city but “for the entire country.” The gunman, described as a juvenile student, was found dead at the scene when police arrived, a law enforcement spokesperson said. The shooting happened at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. The school is a kindergarten through high school school with approximately 390 students enrolled.
“Please keep the Challenger family in your prayers,” the school said in a statement on its Facebook page.
This is the second mass shooting at a Christian school in the United States this month. In the first week of December, two people were injured in a shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Butte County, California.
Madison Police Department said in a statement that “a total of three people, including the gunman, were killed.” (There were earlier false reports that five people were killed, the statement said.) Six more people were injured.
“This is a sad, sad day, not just for Madison, but for the entire country,” Police Chief Sean F. Burns said.
“Yet another police chief held a press conference to talk to reporters about violence in one of the most sacred spaces in our community, especially to me, who loves education, and who has children who attend school. We are holding a press conference,” Burns added.
Police received a call about a gunman at 10:57 a.m.
“When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds,” Burns said.
Burns said officers found the body of a boy believed to be the shooter.
According to Abundant Life's website, Abundant Life's mission is to “develop students to be committed disciples of Jesus Christ through an excellent, comprehensive, Biblically-based, and integrated educational program.” That's what it means. Established in 1978.
“ALCS faculty, staff, and administrators are committed to ensuring that all students receive not only knowledge of who God is, but also rich and frequent opportunities to know and experience God personally. “We share our founder's passionate desire to provide access to an excellent education and learn how to hear and obey God's voice,” the website says.
Prayer for a Rich Life Christian School Community
Heavenly Father,
We come to you with heavy hearts as we try to uplift the Madison community and all those affected by this tragedy. Lord, bring comfort to grieving families, healing to the injured, and peace to troubled communities. We ask that you protect every child, parent, and educator who passes through your school doors every day. Surround them with your love, strengthen their faith, and remind us all of your presence even in the darkest of times.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Photo provided by: ©YouTube/CBS News
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
