According to the school principal, students and staff at Abundant Life Christian School are preparing to return to school. Principal Doug Butler released a video message where he Doug Butler acknowledged that the upcoming transition will be challenging. He said that students would return, but he did not specify a firm date for their return.
The principal said “Our students are back in the building; it will feel different, it will look different, it is different,” Butler said. “There are security changes, both seen and unseen. We have also been trained to provide trauma-informed care to our students and to recognize trauma in ourselves.” Police also released a statement on the state of the investigation.
In another video update, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said that 21 shell casings and two firearms were collected from the scene. Authorities did not say where the firearms were purchased or who they were purchased by. “No charging decisions will be made until detectives have had time to review all physical and digital evidence linked to this case,” Barnes said.
The community has banded together to support the school after the attack. Two local Texas Roadhouse restaurants held an event where 100% of the profits would go to the ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund, organized with United Way of Dane County. Local news reported that over 700 people turned out to help the embattled school.
Managing partner Mikaela Beske said, “We’re ready, all hands on deck.” 5 servers, five to-go, five bussers, two bartenders, and 35 people in the kitchen all contributed to help. She explained, “I asked if anybody would like to come and help and volunteer and just about all my staff raised their hands, so they were all ready.” She says the restaurant was motivated by a desire to help their community.
“I think as a community we’re all impacted by the tragic events, feel the aftermath of what it’s like to have something like this happen so close to home,” one customer reported. Kyle Rogers, another patron said, “My cousin’s kids go to the school, my cousin teaches there too; she teaches at the high school.” He remembers how anxious he was when he heard the news.
He describes feeling ” “Anxiety, just worried that they’re hurt or injured or they were killed.” He explained, “They were all safe, thank goodness.” He added, “I think it’s amazing, you know, I think more communities should step up and help out.” The manager stated, “I think in some way this event impacted people directly and indirectly.”
A spokesman with United Way of Dane County said that 100% of the funds raised will be distributed directly to ALCS to use as they see fit. ALCS principal Doug Butler has previously stated that their priorities include any financial needs of the families who lost loved ones, medical expenses of those injured, and using any remaining funds to provide for the mental health needs of their school community. Other charities have been organized to benefit the school. Other restaurants, including a local Culvers, have held similar events.