A tragic school shooting in Wisconsin on Wednesday has left the community reeling after a gunman opened fire at an elementary school, resulting in multiple casualties. Amid the chaos, a second-grade student is being hailed as a hero for making a courageous call to 911, which helped law enforcement respond quickly to the scene.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred shortly after the start of the school day. Students and teachers scrambled for safety as the suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, entered the building and began firing.
In the midst of the panic, an unnamed 8-year-old student reportedly used their teacher’s phone to call the police. The child stayed on the line, providing crucial details about the situation despite the terrifying circumstances.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that a second-grade student called 911 at 10:57 a.m. Monday to report a shooting at the school.
“Let that sink in,” Barnes repeated twice at a news briefing. Police arrived within four minutes, he said. The shooting occurred in a study hall, police said.
“The bravery shown by this young student is remarkable,” said Police Chief Emily Roberts during a press briefing. “Their call allowed us to respond faster and potentially saved lives.”
Officials confirmed that several individuals were injured in the attack, and some remain in critical condition. The suspect was apprehended by law enforcement shortly after arriving on the scene.
Parents and community members gathered at a nearby reunification site, embracing their children as they were escorted from the school. Support services have been made available for those impacted, including trauma counseling for students, staff, and families.
Governor Tony Evers issued a statement expressing condolences: “Today’s events are heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Wisconsin community. No child should ever have to experience this kind of tragedy.”
The Wisconsin shooting was the 83rd school shooting recorded in 2024. Let that sink in.