Crime
Nora Gottschalk, an 8-year-old Abundant Life Christian School student described the shooting
An 8-year-old student, Nora Gottschalk, described the terrifying moments she experienced during the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
“I was getting ready for lunch, so it was basically lunchtime, and then I just heard shooting,” Nora recounted. “And then there was a teacher, and she was screaming like, ‘Ahh, my leg! Help! Help!’”
Nora confirmed she knew the teacher who was calling out for help, adding, “I was really scared, and I was really sad.”
Other students shared similar accounts of the chaos that unfolded inside the building as gunfire and screams filled the halls before law enforcement arrived to evacuate them.
“I heard gunshots and screaming, and it was all really scary,” one student told at the reunification site, where families were brought back together following the incident.
The shooting triggered an immediate lockdown, with students quickly being notified that “this is not a drill.” Many students, fearful and uncertain, turned to technology to maintain contact with their families during the ordeal.
“I was texting her on my watch,” one student shared, referring to communication with their mother.
Parents, anxiously awaiting news, expressed immense relief when they were able to reunite with their children.
“There’s no better feeling than knowing your kids are safe,” said one mother tearfully after embracing her child.
The students’ firsthand accounts highlight the fear and trauma experienced during Monday’s tragedy as the community continues to process the devastating events.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.