A day after the devastating shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, authorities are revealing more details about the life of 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, who was identified as the shooter.

The teenager, a student at the private Christian academy, opened fire in a classroom filled with students, tragically killing a teacher and a student. According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, six other people suffered injuries, with two students reportedly in critical condition with life-threatening wounds.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Rupnow dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, marking a grim conclusion to the horrific incident.

President Joe Biden called the shooting “shocking and irresponsible,” sparking renewed calls for action on the nationwide epidemic of gun violence in schools.

While the motive for this shooting remains unclear, investigators are now looking into Rupnow’s background. They conduct searches of her home and examine her digital activity to find clues that could explain the events that led to the tragedy.

Here’s what we know so far.

He was a regular at the shooting range and wore a controversial T-shirt

While reviewing social media accounts associated with Rupnow and her father, Jeff Rupnow, authorities found a striking image from August showing the 15-year-old at a shooting range, wearing protective gear and with a Firearm handled.

A comment on her dad’s Facebook post read: “Is that a little one?”, to which Jeff enthusiastically replied: “Surely!!!! We came to NBSC this spring and loved every second of it!”

The NBSC likely refers to the North Bristol Sportsman’s Club, a shooting range in Sun Prairie, a suburb about 20 miles northeast of Madison, Wisconsin. According to the club’s website, the NBSC youth program welcomes children ages 9 and up.

In the photo, Rupnow is wearing a T-shirt with the logo of the venerable German electro-industrial band KMFDM – which stands for No majority for pitywhich translates to “No pity for the majority.”

In a stunning coincidence, the top is similar to the top worn by teenage mass shooter Eric Harris, who, along with classmate Dylan Klebold, shot and killed 15 students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, in 1999. New York Post found.

A “turbulent” family life, a “troubled” childhood

After the shooting, police also interviewed Rupnow’s father as part of their investigation. “We’re trying to figure out what he knew or didn’t know about what happened today,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said.

So far, the Rupnow family is cooperating with authorities and police are not currently considering charges in connection with the tragic incident. “The parents are fully cooperative. We have no reason to believe at this time that they have committed a crime,” Barnes said ABC News.

However, according to court documents, Rupnow is said to have had a “tumultuous personal life”. Documents show that her parents divorced and remarried several times and that she enrolled in therapy. The Washington Post reported.

The report also detailed Rupnow’s “troubled” childhood, in which she had to move between homes every two to three days due to a custody agreement following her parents’ divorce.

It remains unclear whether the gun used in the shooting belonged to or was owned by her parents, Barnes said CNN. Authorities and prosecutors will “want to examine whether the parents may have acted negligently,” he added.

According to Wisconsin Firearms Law, it is illegal to recklessly store a loaded firearm within the reach or easily accessible reach of a child under 14 years of age.

Interest in neo-Nazis, mass shootings

After the tragic shooting, police are trying to figure out what might have driven 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow to commit such a shocking attack.

Investigators are examining multiple online accounts linked to Rupnow and attempting to trace her digital footprint to understand the ideologies or influences that may have motivated her actions.

According to officials quoted by ABC NewsRupnow had reportedly shown an interest in neo-Nazi ideology and violence and had actively participated in online forums that glorified mass shooters.

On a Tumblr account linked to Rupnow, the images allegedly included a photo of Parkland High School shooter Nikolas Cruz.

Other posts included references to infamous school shootings, such as the Columbine High School massacre and the 2007 Jokela school shooting in Finland.

A disturbing post from November 2023 featured a GIF of a gun with the caption “Happy Birthday!!!”

Just days before the shooting, on December 13, a video showing a person taking their own life at a shooting range was shared on the account linked to Rupnow.

Two final posts were shared on the day of the attack.

The first showed an image of someone holding up three fingers, a gesture similar to the “OK” hand sign that was also used as a “white power” symbol. According to the Anti-Defamation League, it has also been used as a gesture by shooters in the past. However, the intention behind the post remains unclear.

Authorities continue to analyze this online activity to understand the extent of Rupnow’s influence and any warning signs that may have been missed.

A shooting manifesto goes viral

A multi-page “War on Humanity” manifesto, allegedly written by Rupnow, is circulating on the Internet and is full of resentments, dark reflections and threatening statements. However, authorities have not confirmed its existence or authenticity.

Manifesto of the Abundant Life Christian School.
This is page one and page two of the Wisconsin Shooter Manifesto. #WisconsinTragedy #Christianschool pic.twitter.com/tfyXt2Lc2B

— Oppenheimer Ranch Project (@Diamondthedave) December 17, 2024

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said, “A document about this shooting is circulating on social media, but we have not verified its authenticity.”

Just a few days before the Christmas holidays, seePrincipal Barbara Wiers said the tragic incident had “shocked our school community.” She also praised the students, saying they “behaved excellently” during the shooting.

With input from agencies