– Deadly gun violence occurs regularly in the USA – in department stores, restaurants – or at schools. This time it hits a Christian school in the state of Wisconsin.
According to corrected police information, at least three people were killed in a gun attack at a school in the US state of Wisconsin. The suspected shooter was also among the fatalities, said the responsible police department in Madison. During a previous press conference there was “incorrect” talk of at least five deaths.
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 alleged shooter or the possible background to the crime. But he emphasized that the police did not shoot.
US President Biden informed about the crime
“Today is a sad, sad day – not just for Madison, but for the entire country,” Barnes continued. The White House says US President Joe Biden has been informed of the situation in Madison. They are in contact with the local authorities to provide support as needed.
The school in the Midwest asked for prayers on its Facebook account and said it would share more information as it becomes available. According to media reports, around 390 students from kindergarten to 12th grade attended the school.
Gun violence is a major problem in the USA
In the United States, deadly firearms are part of everyday life. Weapons are not only readily available there, but are also in circulation in enormous numbers. Major acts of violence, for example at schools, in 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 nation's top health official declared gun violence a national health crisis in June. According to health authorities, thousands of people die every year from injuries caused by firearms – whether caused by others or their own fault. Weapon injuries are one of the most common causes of death among children and young people.
