At least three people have been killed in a gun attack at a school in the US state of Wisconsin. The suspected shooter was also among the dead, according to the authorities in Madison.
Other people were also injured in the incident at the Christian school in the city of Madison, said police chief Shon F. Barnes. He gave no details on the gender of the suspected shooter or the possible background to the crime. However, he emphasized that the police had not fired.
School asks for prayers
"Today is a sad, sad day - not just for Madison, but for the entire country," Barnes continued. The White House announced that US President Joe Biden had been informed about the situation in Madison. They are in contact with the local authorities to provide support as needed.
At least three people are dead after a school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, the police chief says. That includes a juvenile who police believe to be responsible for the shooting, who was found dead in the building. About seven people were transported from the Abundant Life… pic.twitter.com/PkwKZn1v3H
The school asked for prayers via its Facebook account and said it would share more information as it became available.
In the US, fatal shootings are commonplace. Firearms are readily available in the USA and are in circulation on a large scale. Major attacks, for example at schools, supermarkets, nightclubs or large events, regularly lead to discussions about tightening gun laws - so far without any success. A substantial tightening of gun laws in the USA has been prevented by Republicans for years.