Deadly Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin

by | CFX Community, church schools, News, Security, Security Connections

How Should Christian Schools Respond to the Threat of Gun Violence?

Only three weeks ago, I was sitting in the head of school’s office at a private Christian school in Minnesota discussing gun violence and their response to such a threat. There were three real options on the table: hire an armed officer to secure the school, arm the teachers, or continue improving physical security. At the time, the school had already ruled out hiring local police—the police chief had said it was impossible due to staff shortages. 

I didn’t realize that no more than three weeks after that conversation, we would witness another deadly attack at a private Christian school. The threat has become all too real. How can private Christian schools respond in the wake of this tragedy? I will break down what happened at the school and offer actionable solutions for schools grappling with this grim reality.

Overview of What Happened

On December 16, 2024, a tragic shooting unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, leaving the community devastated. According to reports from NBC, CNN, and other major news outlets, the shooting occurred mid-morning during school hours, sending students, staff, and parents into chaos. Madison Police Chief Shon F. Barnes identified the shooter as 15 years old and a current student at the school. Evidence suggests the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The swift response by local law enforcement perhaps prevented further loss of life, but the event left an indelible mark. Two victims were killed, one student and one teacher, and several others were injured. The shooting has reignited concerns over security gaps in private Christian schools, many of which lack school resource officers (SROs) or dedicated armed personnel.

What Do We Know About School Shooters?

Data from The Violence Prevention Project, a leading research initiative on mass shootings, reveals a troubling reality: most school shooters are insiders — individuals connected to the school as current or former students. This insider connection gives them intimate knowledge of the school’s routines, security gaps, and vulnerabilities.

David Reidman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, highlights the following statistics:

  • 94% of school shooters are current or former students.
  • The attackers often plan their actions well in advance, exhibiting warning signs such as threats, social isolation, and fascination with violence.
  • Bullying, academic struggles, and mental health crises are frequently cited as underlying causes.

Understanding this data is critical for Christian schools. These incidents are not random; they are planned acts of targeted violence by individuals with known ties to the community. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors before they escalate can save lives.

The Pathway to Violence: Identifying and Preventing Threats

The pathway to violence is rarely spontaneous. Individuals who carry out school shootings often follow a predictable process:

  • Grievance: A real or perceived wrong triggers feelings of anger, rejection, or revenge.
  • Ideation: The individual fixates on violence as a solution.
  • Planning: They develop detailed plans, including access to weapons and targets.
  • Preparation: They test security gaps and gather resources.
  • Attack: The plan is executed.

The critical opportunity to intervene lies in the planning and preparation stages. Warning signs can include:

  • Statements about harming others or themselves.
  • Obsession with past school shootings.
  • Sudden withdrawal, social isolation, or changes in behavior.
  • Access to firearms and interest in using them.

Parents, teachers, and students must be trained to identify these red flags, and report concerns through anonymous tip lines or threat assessment programs. Early intervention through counseling, support, and security measures can disrupt the pathway to violence.

What Can Christian Schools Do to Improve Security?

For private Christian schools, which often lack the resources of public schools, balancing safety and a welcoming environment is challenging. Below are five practical steps schools can take to strengthen security:

  1. Hire Skilled Security Personnel
    • Schools can consider hiring dedicated security officers or partnering with private security firms. Trained professionals can provide both deterrence and rapid response in emergencies.
  1. Build Relationships with Local Law Enforcement
    • Even if an SRO is not available, schools can collaborate with local police for regular patrols, security audits, and training sessions.
  1. Improve Emergency Planning
    • Schools must develop and routinely update their emergency operations plans. Conduct tabletop exercises to simulate active shooter scenarios and ensure staff knows their roles.
  1. Conduct Regular Active Shooter Training
    • Training for staff, students, and parents is essential. Drills should focus on lockdown procedures, evacuations, and communication during a crisis.
  1. Enhance Physical Security
    • Schools should secure all entry points with locks, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. Routine assessments can identify vulnerabilities, such as unsecured doors or blind spots.

A Call to Action for Christian Schools

The tragic events at Abundant Life Christian School serve as a stark reminder that no community is immune to gun violence. While public schools often have the advantage of SROs and established protocols, private Christian schools must take proactive steps to address this growing threat.

By understanding the pathway to violence, identifying warning signs early, and implementing practical security measures, Christian schools can create safer environments without compromising their mission. Whether through hiring trained security professionals, partnering with law enforcement, or enhancing emergency preparedness, every step toward safety is a step toward protecting our children and staff. The time to act is now. Let us honor the lives lost by committing to a future where every Christian school can be a sanctuary of safety, faith, and learning.

About the author

Simon Osamoh serves as the editor of Worship Security and is nationally recognized for his work in safeguarding houses of worship. He began his career in England, spending 14 years as a detective specializing in serious and organized crime before leading Counter Terrorism at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Simon founded Kingswood Security Consulting and the Worship Security Academy, providing security solutions to houses of worship and nonprofits. He is the author of two Amazon bestselling books and the host of the Church Security Accelerator Podcast. For submissions or topic ideas, reach out to Simon at sosamoh@worshipfacility.com.

Interested in getting other Security Connections articles delivered right to your inbox?

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Sign Up for the Worship Facility Newsletter!

NEW THIS WEEK

7 Key Security Trends Churches Should Prioritize in 2025

As we step into 2025, church safety and security leaders face an ever-evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities. From technological advancements to addressing the rising tensions in society, this year brings a renewed focus on critical areas of improvement....

Personal Security as Fringe Benefit

Thankfully, personal security threats for a church's employees tend to be extremely rare. However, for churches and nonprofits addressing polarizing issues amidst turbulent dynamics, provision of personal security for key employees may turn into a critically pressing...

SARGENT 10X Line Bored Locks with Visual Status Indicators 

SARGENT, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand known for innovative door lock and hardware solutions, is excited to announce the latest evolution of its 10X Line bored locks now featuring visual status indicators. Designed to provide clear, instantaneous confirmation of a door's...

When Self-Confidence Turns Into an Ego Problem

Have you ever felt the power of a kick drum through a massive PA system? It’s incredible—and dangerous. The rush of moving thousands of people, whether as a musician, worship leader, or audio engineer, can quickly shift from confidence to ego if we’re not careful. It...

Our Love/Hate Relationship with Rehearsals

I have a good friend, a seasoned and well-respected worship pastor, who recently joined the staff at a fast-growing church. One of his primary goals has been to help an already talented worship team of volunteers develop into a cohesive and disciplined group, raising...