Authorities and court documents revealed that the Wisconsin school shooter, who killed a student and a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School, had two firearms with him and had been in contact with a man in California plotting an attack on a government building.
The man, identified as 20-year-old Alexander Charles Paffendorf, was subject to an emergency restraining order under California’s gun red flag law, requiring him to surrender his guns and ammunition within 48 hours. According to the restraining order, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI that he had told the shooter, Rupnow, he planned to use explosives and a gun to target a government building.
The restraining order also mentioned that FBI agents had seen messages exchanged between Paffendorf and Rupnow. A court hearing is set for January 3.
The shooter, 15-year-old Rupnow, killed a fellow student and teacher at the school before turning the gun on herself. Two other students remained in critical condition. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. While it’s unclear if the attack was premeditated or targeted, the police are working to piece together the timeline and intentions, examining online records, and interviewing the shooter’s family and classmates.
The police confirmed that two firearms were found at the scene, but only one was used in the shooting. They have not disclosed how Rupnow obtained the weapons or who purchased them. Investigators have not decided whether Rupnow’s parents will face charges but have stated they are cooperating.
The victims, identified as 42-year-old Erin West and 14-year-old Rubi Vergara, were confirmed by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Vergara, a freshman, was remembered as an avid reader and passionate about art and music. West’s role at the school remains unclear.
