A Wisconsin school shooting on Monday revealed a chilling connection between 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow and Alexander Paffendorf, 20, of Carlsbad, California, who was allegedly planning a mass attack. Rupnow fatally shot Rubi Vergara, 14, and teacher Erin West, 42, at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, wounded six others, and then turned the gun on herself.
Authorities are investigating how Rupnow and Paffendorf, who communicated about staging attacks, became connected. FBI agents confronted Paffendorf about messages where he discussed arming himself to target a government building. He is set to appear in court on January 3 under California’s red flag law.
Rupnow carried two firearms but used one in the attack, targeting a study hall. Police have not confirmed specific victims or motives, describing the entire school as being in danger. Two wounded students remain in critical condition.
After the shooting, police searched Rupnow’s home for evidence. The tragedy marked a rare instance of a female-perpetrated mass shooting.
Funerals for Vergara and West are scheduled for Saturday and Monday, respectively. Vergara was an artistic ninth-grader who loved music and her pets. West, a devoted teacher and mother of three, brought warmth to her school community.
The U.S. has faced 322 school shootings this year, fueling ongoing gun control debates. Yet, efforts to tighten firearm laws face resistance in Congress, highlighting the divisive issue amid rising violence.
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