Wisconsin Second-Grader Who Survived the Madison School Shooting Speaks Out – Details

The Madison school shooting shocked the United States, leaving survivors grappling with its devastating aftermath. An 8-year-old second-grader, who courageously called 911 during the crisis, has now spoken out about her terrifying experience as the violence unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School.

A Deadly Tragedy at Madison Abundant Life Christian School

On December 16, 2024, the Madison school shooting unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. During the attack, a 15-year-old shooter, Natalie Rupnow, opened fire on students and teachers. Tragically, the incident resulted in the deaths of a teacher, a student, and the shooter herself, who reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while en route to the hospital.

The school acknowledged the event on its Facebook page. They urged the community for prayers and pledged to share updates as more details emerged.

A Brave Second-Grader’s 911 Call

In the midst of chaos, 8-year-old Nora Gottschalk demonstrated incredible bravery by calling 911. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes praised her quick thinking, saying, “We teach kids to call 911 when something is wrong, and this child did just that.”

Nora, who had been preparing for lunch in the hallway, described seeing an injured teacher. “She was screaming, ‘Ah! My leg! Help, help!’” Nora said, clutching a small SpongeBob candy during her interview. Her words reflected the fear and sadness she felt during the horrifying ordeal.

Parents and Students Share Harrowing Stories

Reunions between parents and students offered moments of relief after the Madison school shooting, but the emotional scars remain. The Grange family, who reunited after hours of uncertainty, shared their experience.

Gideon, one of the siblings, recalled the sudden lockdown. “At first, I didn’t think much of it. Then it got serious, and everyone was scared.” Ezra, his sister, described hearing “gunshots and screaming,” which terrified her. Despite her fear, she used her watch to text her mom, letting her know she was safe.

Their mother, Brit, expressed gratitude mixed with sorrow. “Knowing my kids are safe is everything. My heart breaks for the families who weren’t as fortunate.”

Details About the Shooter

The shooter, Natalie Rupnow, had reportedly been dealing with personal challenges before the Madison school shooting. Authorities discovered premeditated writings that offered insight into her mindset. Investigators have since begun interviewing her family for more context.

The violence occurred during a study hall with students of varying grades. Six people sustained injuries during the incident. Two students remain in critical condition, while three students and a teacher are expected to recover. Authorities confirmed that two of the injured individuals have already been released.

A Community United in Grief

Abundant Life Christian School serves approximately 420 students, spanning kindergarten through high school. The community has long viewed the school as a safe, close-knit environment. The Madison school shooting has shattered that sense of security.

Bethany Highman, a Madison native and former student, recounted learning about the tragedy. Her mother, who lives near the school, alerted her about the heavy police presence. Bethany rushed to the scene, desperate for news about her daughter. Although her family was unharmed, she reflected on the fear every parent faces today. “I pray every morning this won’t happen. It’s the world we live in,” she said, finding strength in her faith.

A Story of Courage and Preparedness

The bravery displayed during the Madison school shooting highlights the importance of preparedness. Authorities commended the teachers and students for their swift response, crediting drills and lockdown procedures for saving lives.

Young Nora’s quick decision to call 911, combined with the teachers’ actions, serves as a powerful reminder of how critical preparedness is in today’s world. As the community begins its long healing process, their collective strength and support will be key to moving forward.

Please SHARE this article with your friends and family on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Bryan Seal
Bryan Seal
Bryan is an American novelist and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Between those careers, he’s worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and over the road truck driver, among many other things.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

My wife became distant – then suddenly, she was gone, with only an envelope left in her place

Sometimes, you believe that you know someone better than you know yourself, but that suddenly changes and that person starts feeling like a stranger...

Rude man insults a woman at the airport, not knowing he’ll soon regret it

When Dr. Carter saw a short line at the airport, she felt relieved because she was in a desperate need to catch a flight...

Bill to make tips tax-free

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) into law. Under OBBB, tax reductions worth trillions that were...

80s movie bombshell unrecognizable after quitting fame and escaping stalker nightmare! Can you guess who?

Fans of The Fall Guy might remember Heather Thomas as the stunning stunt double-turned-bounty hunter who shared the screen with Lee Majors in the...

Man’s final wish to see his dog before execution leads to an unforgettable moment that changed everything

A touching story from a rural town found its way to the hearts of many. It wasn't a story of crime and punishment, as...

My bride slipped me a note asking me to ‘say no at the altar’ — it sounded crazy, but I trusted her plan

When I met Emily, I somehow felt that she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. From the...