Topline: Court documents indicate the man confessed during an FBI interview that he had been texting the shooter—Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.
Published: December 19, 2024 12:08 pm ET
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Authorities say a California man was messaging the Wisconsin school shooter in planning a coordinated attack.
According to KFMB, a gun violence restraining order was filed against 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf, of Carlsbad, California.
Shortly after the order was signed, police raided his residence.
Court documents indicate that Paffendorf confessed during an FBI interview that he had been texting the shooter—Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.
According to the order, Paffendorf told the agents he had informed Rupnow of his plans to arm himself with explosives and a firearm, targeting a government building.
The order states that FBI agents had access to messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow but does not clarify whether they saw any messages from Rupnow to Paffendorf. The document also does not specify which government building Paffendorf intended to attack or the timing of the planned assault, nor does it explain how authorities became aware of Paffendorf’s actions.
A hearing for Paffendorf is scheduled for January 3, according to WTMJ.
Rupnow, a 15-year-old student at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian School, opened fire on Monday morning in a multi-grade study hall, killing a student and a teacher while injuring five other students and a teacher. She then turned the gun on herself.
Although police have not publicly identified the victims, the family of 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara released an obituary on Wednesday. The Dane County medical examiner’s office identified the teacher killed as 42-year-old Erin Michelle West.
Abundant Life’s communications director, Barbara Wiers, stated that Vergara had attended the school since kindergarten, and West had been a substitute teacher for three years before transitioning to the role of substitute coordinator.
Two of the injured students remain in critical condition.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said investigators are continuing to review records and interview survivors to determine Rupnow’s motive. He confirmed that Rupnow had brought two guns to school on the day of the shooting.
“I don’t know if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior,” Barnes said. “To me, bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. We’re still trying to understand the level of premeditation.”
Authorities are also working to determine how Rupnow acquired the firearms. While photos on her father’s Facebook page show her participating in skeet shooting, Barnes stated that no decisions have been made regarding charges against her parents, who are said to be cooperating with the investigation.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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FBI: California Man Linked to Wisconsin School Shooter in Coordinated Attack Plot
Court documents indicate the man confessed during an FBI interview that he had been texting the shooter—Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 19, 2024 12:08 pm ET
Authorities say a California man was messaging the Wisconsin school shooter in planning a coordinated attack.
According to KFMB, a gun violence restraining order was filed against 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf, of Carlsbad, California.
Shortly after the order was signed, police raided his residence.
Court documents indicate that Paffendorf confessed during an FBI interview that he had been texting the shooter—Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.
According to the order, Paffendorf told the agents he had informed Rupnow of his plans to arm himself with explosives and a firearm, targeting a government building.
The order states that FBI agents had access to messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow but does not clarify whether they saw any messages from Rupnow to Paffendorf. The document also does not specify which government building Paffendorf intended to attack or the timing of the planned assault, nor does it explain how authorities became aware of Paffendorf’s actions.
A hearing for Paffendorf is scheduled for January 3, according to WTMJ.
Rupnow, a 15-year-old student at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian School, opened fire on Monday morning in a multi-grade study hall, killing a student and a teacher while injuring five other students and a teacher. She then turned the gun on herself.
Although police have not publicly identified the victims, the family of 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara released an obituary on Wednesday. The Dane County medical examiner’s office identified the teacher killed as 42-year-old Erin Michelle West.
Abundant Life’s communications director, Barbara Wiers, stated that Vergara had attended the school since kindergarten, and West had been a substitute teacher for three years before transitioning to the role of substitute coordinator.
Two of the injured students remain in critical condition.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said investigators are continuing to review records and interview survivors to determine Rupnow’s motive. He confirmed that Rupnow had brought two guns to school on the day of the shooting.
“I don’t know if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior,” Barnes said. “To me, bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. We’re still trying to understand the level of premeditation.”
Authorities are also working to determine how Rupnow acquired the firearms. While photos on her father’s Facebook page show her participating in skeet shooting, Barnes stated that no decisions have been made regarding charges against her parents, who are said to be cooperating with the investigation.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
FBI: California Man Linked to Wisconsin School Shooter in Coordinated Attack Plot
Court documents indicate the man confessed during an FBI interview that he had been texting the shooter—Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 19, 2024 12:08 pm ET
Authorities say a California man was messaging the Wisconsin school shooter in planning a coordinated attack.
According to KFMB, a gun violence restraining order was filed against 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf, of Carlsbad, California.
Shortly after the order was signed, police raided his residence.
Court documents indicate that Paffendorf confessed during an FBI interview that he had been texting the shooter—Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.
According to the order, Paffendorf told the agents he had informed Rupnow of his plans to arm himself with explosives and a firearm, targeting a government building.
The order states that FBI agents had access to messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow but does not clarify whether they saw any messages from Rupnow to Paffendorf. The document also does not specify which government building Paffendorf intended to attack or the timing of the planned assault, nor does it explain how authorities became aware of Paffendorf’s actions.
A hearing for Paffendorf is scheduled for January 3, according to WTMJ.
Rupnow, a 15-year-old student at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian School, opened fire on Monday morning in a multi-grade study hall, killing a student and a teacher while injuring five other students and a teacher. She then turned the gun on herself.
Although police have not publicly identified the victims, the family of 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara released an obituary on Wednesday. The Dane County medical examiner’s office identified the teacher killed as 42-year-old Erin Michelle West.
Abundant Life’s communications director, Barbara Wiers, stated that Vergara had attended the school since kindergarten, and West had been a substitute teacher for three years before transitioning to the role of substitute coordinator.
Two of the injured students remain in critical condition.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said investigators are continuing to review records and interview survivors to determine Rupnow’s motive. He confirmed that Rupnow had brought two guns to school on the day of the shooting.
“I don’t know if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior,” Barnes said. “To me, bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. We’re still trying to understand the level of premeditation.”
Authorities are also working to determine how Rupnow acquired the firearms. While photos on her father’s Facebook page show her participating in skeet shooting, Barnes stated that no decisions have been made regarding charges against her parents, who are said to be cooperating with the investigation.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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