MILWAUKEE — A 20-year-old man from California is currently in custody on suspicion of allegedly planning a mass shooting at a government building in collaboration with the Madison school shooter. According to court documents, FBI agents detained Alexander Paffendorf from Carlsbad, California, as detailed in an emergency gun violence restraining order obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a part of the USA TODAY Network.
Authorities in Wisconsin revealed that 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow was responsible for the tragic events that unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School earlier in the week. Rupnow fatally shot a student and a teacher and injured six others. The detainment of Paffendorf was initially reported by CBS 8 on Wednesday.
In an FBI interview, Paffendorf reportedly confessed to agents that he had informed Rupnow of his intention to equip himself with explosives and a firearm to target a government facility, as stated in the restraining order. The FBI agents verified the communication between Paffendorf and Rupnow.
The community in Wisconsin continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, with lives deeply impacted by the senseless violence. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, when asked about the California arrest, deferred inquiries to the FBI. The FBI’s San Diego field office declined to provide a comment when contacted by USA TODAY. The Carlsbad Police Department was also approached for a statement.
On Tuesday, a judge in San Diego approved the gun violence restraining order against Paffendorf. The order mandates him to surrender any firearms and ammunition in his possession and prohibits him from acquiring additional weapons. Soon after the judge’s approval, Carlsbad residents witnessed a significant police presence at Paffendorf’s apartment complex, with numerous police vehicles and officers on the scene.
Neighbors described the intense police activity, with Alex Gallegos recalling the sight of officers with weapons drawn as they arrived at the complex. A court hearing for Paffendorf is scheduled for January 3.
Authorities indicated that Rupnow, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, brought two handguns to the school on Monday, although it appears she only used one during the attack.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting. Communities across the nation are left in shock as they try to comprehend the senseless violence that has impacted innocent lives.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels are crucial in uncovering the motives behind the attack and ensuring that justice is served. As details continue to emerge, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and communities in their time of grief and recovery.
