Motive 'combination of factors' in Wisconsin school shooting, police say
Authorities believe that the reasons behind the shooting at a Wisconsin private school, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the shooter, stem from "a mix of various factors."
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes did not disclose details on Tuesday regarding the circumstances that allegedly drove a 15-year-old girl, identified by authorities as Natalie Rupnow, to shoot at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison.
On Monday, six individuals sustained injuries in the shooting incident. It is thought that Rupnow passed away due to a gunshot wound he inflicted on himself.
During a press conference, Chief Barnes urged anyone who had information about the suspect to step forward and share what they know.
"Our main focus right now is to determine the motive," he stated. "However, it seems that the motive is likely linked to several different reasons."
"We encourage anyone who had contact with her or might have information about her emotions before yesterday to reach out to the Madison-area Crime Stoppers."
Authorities are examining the suspect's social media accounts as a component of their investigation.
Chief Barnes mentioned that investigators are speaking with students at Abundant Life Christian School to determine if bullying might have played a role in the situation.
The status of the injured individuals remains the same as it was on Monday night. Two patients are in the hospital in critical condition, while two others are stable. Additionally, two people have been discharged from the hospital.
The two individuals who lost their lives in the shooting were a high school student and a teacher. Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
Madison's Mayor, Satya Rhodes-Conway, stated that officials will provide updates whenever possible.
"It’s really not your concern who was affected in this situation," she said during a tense moment after a reporter's inquiry at the press conference.
"Show some compassion and consideration for those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries themselves, or had their children harmed."
On Tuesday, Chief Barnes clarified that the 911 call reporting the shooting was made by a second-grade teacher, not a second-grade student, as was initially reported.
He expressed remorse for the mistake and explained that he had misunderstood a police report regarding the event.
He mentioned that several schools in the vicinity had received fake threats, referred to as swatting, on Tuesday morning. Authorities do not think there are any ongoing threats to those schools.
"We, as a community, should never let violence or any violent actions shape our identity," he stated.
"We won't let hate and destruction take over our city. Instead, we will celebrate our survivors and remember our victims by showing love and support, the Madison way."
