MILWAUKEE — During a tense press conference on Tuesday, Madison’s mayor became frustrated when reporters sought details about a shooting at a private Christian school that resulted in the deaths of a teacher and a student, along with injuries to six others.

“It is absolutely none of your business who was harmed in this incident,” stated Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to the journalists inquiring about the victims’ identities. “Have some decency and respect for those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured.”

According to police, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and has an enrollment of about 400, on Monday shortly before 11 a.m. local time. Rupnow later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as reported by authorities.

As of Tuesday afternoon, officials indicated that two students were in critical condition, while three other students and one teacher had non-life-threatening injuries; two victims had already been discharged from local hospitals.

On Tuesday, authorities mentioned they were still investigating the motive behind the shooting and determining where the teenager obtained the gun used in the incident. Investigators have searched the suspect’s home and have spoken with family members, who are cooperating, according to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes.

When questioned about potential charges against the suspect’s parents or others, Rhodes-Conway responded, “We do not have enough information yet.”

‘Don’t Exploit Their Pain’

The mayor’s sharp response followed a tense news conference just over a day after Madison experienced its second school shooting this year. Throughout the press briefing, several media organizations requested information regarding the victims — whose identities remain undisclosed.

One reporter asked for more general insight into the victims’ personalities and whether they participated in sports, but the mayor refrained from commenting.

Another journalist, who mentioned being present for 27 hours, questioned whether officials intended to address and clarify rumors circulating on social media regarding the victims and why proper representatives weren’t available to answer questions.

“I don’t know how many times I can reiterate this: We will provide accurate information when it is available. None of you are obligated to stay here. You’re free to leave if you choose,” Rhodes-Conway expressed her annoyance.

“Just show some humanity. Allow them to grieve, recover, and heal,” she urged. “Don’t exploit their suffering. We will share information when it’s appropriate.” Thank you.”

Who is Satya Rhodes-Conway?

The incident on Monday has brought Rhodes-Conway into the spotlight as the mayor of Wisconsin’s capital city.

Rhodes-Conway was born in Espaňola, New Mexico, in 1971, but moved to Ithaca, New York, where she spent her formative years before attending Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.

She then earned a master’s degree in ecology from the University of California, Irvine. In 2002, she settled in Madison and served on the city’s common council from 2007 to 2013.

Before assuming the role of mayor, Rhodes-Conway was a senior associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center on Wisconsin Strategy, a progressive think tank, and managed the university’s Mayors Innovation Project. She also served as treasurer of her neighborhood association and participated in various city committees focused on transportation and environmental matters.

Rhodes-Conway was the first openly lesbian elected mayor in Wisconsin and is only the second woman to hold the mayoral office in Madison. She initially took office in 2019 and was reelected in 2023.

According to her mayoral biography, Rhodes-Conway is chair emerita of Climate Mayors, an appointed member of the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, a founding member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, and a participant in Mayors Against Illegal Guns. She is involved in several committees and task forces under the United States Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities.