The Madison Police Department (MPD) on Monday identified the shooter who killed two and injured seven at the Abundant Life Christian School as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who was known by Samantha.
Police have said that Rupnow took her own life after committing the shooting, and on Monday night reported she was pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital.
It was additionally confirmed by MPD Chief Shon Barnes that a student and a teacher were killed during the attack, leaving three dead including the assailant. An additional six students and one teacher were hospitalized, though Barnes said all but two of the students were released. Those who remain hospitalized reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries.
Prior to the official announcement from police, investigative journalist Andy Ngo identified Rupnow in a post to X, where he wrote that Rupnow apparently posted a portion of a manifesto to the video game-themed messaging platform Discord.
According to Ngo, “her manifesto was posted on her Discord account, where she discussed a desire to kill all males in a rant inspired by fringe extremist online culture. A screenshot was posted on X by a person who was her Discord friend. The account also posted a mirror selfie photo of Rupnow.”
Barnes said he did not know whether Rupnow identified as transgender, stating, “whether or not she was, he was, they were transgender is something that may come out later.”
While social media posts purportedly made by Rupnow reportedly suggest the killer was preoccupied with school shootings, Barnes additionally said that law enforcement was still working to identify a motive for the attack.
The Tennessee Star contacted MPD to ask whether Rupnow left a manifesto, diary, journal, or other written message to be found after her attack, but did not receive a response prior to press time.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Natalie Rupnow” by Natalie Rupnow / Tumblr.
