MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety and the Office of Crime Victim Services are offering resources for families after the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison.
On Monday, Dec. 16, a 15-year-old female student, later identified as Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, killed another teenage student and a teacher, police said. The shooter is also deceased. Another six people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from “minor” to “life-threatening,” police said.
“I’m heartbroken for the students, teachers, staff members, and families impacted by the devastating mass shooting this morning at Abundant Life Christian School. No one should ever have to experience something like this,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Our Office of School Safety is offering support and will aid the community in recovery. My thoughts and condolences are with every family affected by this tragedy.”
OSS offered the following tips for parents as they talk to their children about Monday’s tragedy.
How to navigate a crisis with kids:
- “Limit exposure to graphic media
- “Children take cues from adults, so mange your stress openly
- “Shield children from adult worries; let them be children”
How to start the conversation with your children:
- “Make time but don’t force it
- “Look for signs that the child wants to talk
- “Choose calm moments for discussion (in the car, at dinner or during calming activities)
- “Let the child’s questions guide the conversation”
How to talk about the details of the crisis with children:
- “Provide clear, factual information without graphic details
- “Show empathy and validate the child’s feelings
- “Reassure them about safety and encourage ongoing conversation
- “Listen, validate, and take the child’s concerns seriously”
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