USA Three dead after gun attack at school in Wisconsin
At least three people have been killed in a gun attack at a school in the US state of Wisconsin, according to corrected police reports. The suspected shooter was also among the fatalities, according to the police department in Madison. During an earlier press conference, there had been "erroneous" talk of at least five dead.
16.12.2024, 20:45
SDA
Several people were also injured in the incident at the Christian school in the city of Madison, said police chief Shon F. Barnes. However, there were also contradictory statements from the police. When asked, Barnes did not comment on the gender of the suspected shooter or the possible background to the crime. However, he emphasized that the police had not fired.
US President Biden informed of the crime
"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 of the situation in Madison. They are in contact with the local authorities to provide support as needed.
The school in the US Midwest asked for prayers via its Facebook account and said it would share more information as it became available. According to media reports, around 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend the school.
Gun violence a major problem in the USA
In the United States, deadly gun attacks are part of everyday life. Guns are not only readily available there, but also circulate in enormous numbers. Major acts of violence, for example in schools, supermarkets, nightclubs or at public events, repeatedly spark heated debates about tightening gun laws - but so far without any tangible progress. Substantial reform of gun laws has been blocked by Republicans for years.
The top US health official declared gun violence a national health crisis in June. According to health officials, thousands of people die each year from firearm-related injuries - whether caused by others or by their own fault. Among children and adolescents, gun injuries are one of the leading causes of death.
