What’s New
A retired FBI profiler said school shooters often crave a form of “fame” or “infamy,” as he commented on the alleged individual behind the Abundant Life Christian School shooting on Monday.
Former profiler Gregg McCrary spoke about the case on an episode of Break The Case With Jen Coffindaffer on Tuesday.
The Context
One teacher and one student were killed in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School on December 16. Six others were injured. Police said Rupnow died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Everytown Research says there have been “at least 205 incidents of gunfire on school ground” in 2024, “resulting in 58 deaths and 156 injuries nationally.”
AP Photo/Morry Gash
What To Know
McCrary said that school shooters often seek “infamy,” which they view as a form of fame.
“That’s what they’re getting here, fame without work,” McCrary said. “Just go in and pull the trigger a few times and you get worldwide publicity that you could never get any other way.”
He said that this case “seems to fit well” within this pattern.
McCrary also spoke about an alleged manifesto written by Rupnow that has been circulating on social media. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said officials have not verified the document’s authenticity. He focused on one line where Rupnow allegedly states she “would rather be dead than sit in a room all day.”
“She has planned to kill herself all along and then is going to get this posthumous notoriety,” McCrary said.
The alleged manifesto also details Rupnow’s “extremely difficult” relationship with her parents. McCrary emphasized the importance of “early intervention” in these cases.
“It’s reaching out to these kids early and giving them a sense of purpose, giving them a sense of self-respect that their opinions matter, that they matter.”
He said that this type of intervention can help prevent feelings of isolation and the urge to seek revenge.
What People Are Saying
President Joe Biden, on X: “Today, families in Madison, Wisconsin are grieving the loss of those who were killed and wounded at Abundant Life Christian School. It’s shocking and unconscionable. We need Congress to act. Now.”
Madison Police Chief Barnes, at a news conference: “Every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever.”
Abundant Life Christian School, on Facebook: “We have been flooded with thoughts & prayers. This great nation is behind us. So grateful for the tsunami of prayers for our students, staff, & families.”
What Happens Next
At a press conference on Tuesday, Barnes said police are trying to verify where the alleged manifesto originated. He said he would provide an update on the document when more information becomes available.
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