At least three people are dead and seven others injured following a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday.
The heartbreaking attack left a child among the victims, with police confirming that the suspected gunman also killed himself.
Madison Police Chief, Shon Barnes, confirmed the grim details of the incident, telling reporters that the shooter was found dead at the scene.
The shooting took place at the private Christian school, which serves students from kindergarten through high school.
Local sources say that the gunman burst into the school, opening fire on students and staff before taking his own life.
“This remains an active investigation,” said the Madison Police Department in a statement. “We ask people to avoid the area at this time.”
Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been deployed to assist local authorities with the ongoing investigation.
Roads around the school were blocked off by authorities as they secured the area and began their inquiry into the cause of the attack.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed his deep concern, offering his thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tragedy.
“We are praying for the kids, educators, and the entire Abundant Life school community as we await more information,” Governor Evers said. “We are also grateful for the first responders working swiftly to address the situation.”
Abundant Life Christian School, which has approximately 390 students, is a non-denominational institution that serves families in the Madison area.
The school is known for its tight-knit community, where students from kindergarten through high school are educated in a Christian environment.
Parents, students, and faculty members were left in shock as news of the shooting spread throughout the city.
Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed any details about the motive behind the attack, and questions remain about how the shooter was able to gain access to the school.
Authorities are also working to identify the victims and notify their families.
The shooting has shaken the local community, with many expressing their sadness and disbelief over the horrific event.
Madison has experienced a number of gun-related incidents in recent years, but this attack at a school has left many questioning the safety of educational institutions.
The tragic event follows a pattern of violence that has gripped the United States, with schools increasingly becoming targets for gun violence.
Local residents have voiced their concerns about the safety of their children and the need for stricter gun control laws in the wake of the attack.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, hoping for answers and grappling with the profound loss.
For now, the school remains closed as authorities continue their search for answers and try to piece together what led to the deadly attack.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
