MADISON, Wis. — At least five people are dead, including the suspected shooter, and several others were injured after someone opened fire Monday at a Christian school in Wisconsin, police said.
Madison Police Chief Shon F. Barnes said in a news conference that officers responded to Abundant Life Christian School shortly before 11 a.m. Central and found “multiple” victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Barnes said officers found the suspect, believed to be a juvenile student at the school, dead in the building.
“Every child in that building is a victim, and will be a victim forever,” Barnes said. “A sad, sad day, not only for Madison but for the entire country.”
Barnes says police officers who responded did not fire their weapons.
During a news conference, the police chief initially said three people were killed and seven others were hurt before providing an update that five were killed and five others were hurt.
Police had blocked off roads around the school Monday afternoon.
Agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have responded to the scene to assist local law enforcement.
“We are praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life school community as we await more information and are grateful for the first responders who are working quickly to respond,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement.
Abundant Life Christian School is nondenominational and has about 390 students, from kindergarten through high school, according to its website.