Police in Wisconsin are investigating what drove 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, a student at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, to open fire at her school on Monday, killing a fellow student and a teacher before taking her own life. The incident, a rarity among U.S. school shootings as it was perpetrated by a female, left two students critically injured and several others with minor injuries.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said identifying a motive is a top priority, though the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are examining Rupnow’s electronic devices and online activity, and are working to verify a potential manifesto. Social media posts show Rupnow had been involved in trap shooting with her father, Jeff Rupnow, earlier this year. A photo of her wearing a T-shirt of the German band KMFDM—whose music was linked to the Columbine shooters—has also drawn scrutiny.
School shootings, largely carried out by males, reflect societal issues like toxic masculinity, experts say. However, factors like bullying, isolation, and social media, common to school shootings, are not gender-specific. Research also indicates rising aggression among adolescent girls.
Rupnow used a pistol, but police have not disclosed how she obtained it. Investigators have not determined whether her parents might face charges. The tragedy comes amid a grim backdrop: the U.S. has seen 322 school shootings this year, the second-highest total since 1966.
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard called for stricter gun laws, including safe storage mandates and “Red Flag” laws to confiscate firearms from at-risk individuals. “Gun violence is the No. 1 killer of children in this country,” she said, urging action against a growing crisis.
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