Social media users have spotted an alarming “connection” between suspected Wisconsin shooter Natalie Runpow and Columbine killer Eric Harris.
As widely reported, Natalie Rupnow, 15, has been identified as the suspected Wisconsin school shooter.
The horrific incident took place at 10:57AM in Abundant Life Christian School on (December 16).
Within three minutes, a Dane County Sheriff’s deputy and a Madison police officer arrived on the scene, entering the building to confront the situation. Medics, who happened to be training nearby, promptly joined the response effort.
According to CNN, a teacher and a student sadly lost their lives at the school, leaving many residents and students in shock and mourning. Six other people were left injured, including two who may have life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, Rupnow – who went by the name “Samantha” – was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound when officers arrived and died en route to the hospital, law enforcement disclosed.
The recent school shooting marks the 83rd incident of its kind in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. As of now, the US has experienced over 488 mass shootings, per BBC.
The recent events involving Rupnow have brought attention to the tragic Columbine High School shooting of 1999, where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and one teacher before taking their own lives.
A photo circulating online shows the suspected Wisconsin shooter sporting a KMFDM t-shirt, a band that was also favored by Eric Harris.
KMFDM, an acronym for “Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid” (No Pity for the Majority), is known for its rebellion, anti-authoritarianism, and corruption themes.
While Harris admired the band for these qualities, calling their music “anti-American” and “anti-authoritarian”, KMFDM has consistently condemned violence.
Investigators interviewed Rupnow’s family members on Monday evening and searched their Madison home to gather information about the motive behind the shooting, AP News reported.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that the shooter’s father is cooperating with the investigation, adding: “He lost someone as well. And so we’re not going to rush the information, we’ll take our time and certainly do our due diligence.”
Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan has called for increased action from Congress and American society in the wake of the mass shooting.
He described the shootings as a “uniquely United States’ problem” and said it had to be addressed “much more rapidly than we are”.
“I’ve sat through so many moments of silence on the floors of Congress that are followed by zero moments of action. This is the over 80th school shooting this year, 480th mass shooting in this country this year alone,” he added.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
