In a chilling and emotional moment that will forever be etched in the memories of a Madison, Wisconsin community, 17-year-old Jael Anna Marie sent a brief yet profoundly significant text to her mother, Rebekah Smith, in the wake of a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. “Mom, I’m okay.” These words carried an ocean of meaning—a reassurance that she had survived an incident that rocked not only her family but the entire close-knit school community. On Monday morning, a serene and ordinary school day turned into a scene of unimaginable chaos and grief when violence erupted within the walls of Abundant Life Christian School, a private faith-based institution. A teacher and a student, whose identities remain withheld out of respect, tragically lost their lives, leaving families, faculty, and law enforcement reeling as they try to piece together the events and begin the difficult process of healing.
Rebekah Smith, Jael Anna Marie’s mother, spoke candidly about the experience in the aftermath of the shooting, offering a deeply personal perspective that encapsulates the fear, confusion, and relief experienced by many parents that day. Rebekah recounted how she had not been immediately aware of the tragedy unfolding at the school. It wasn’t until she glanced at her phone that the gravity of the situation became apparent. “I had no less than 50 texts waiting for me,” she said. Among them was the message that would bring both comfort and dread: “Mom, I’m okay.” Her husband, James Smith, described the experience as a “pit in the stomach,” a moment no parent ever wants to endure. “You’re wondering, what does this mean for my child? You plan for these things, and you don’t want to, but it’s the world we live in today.”
The Smiths are no strangers to Abundant Life Christian School. Rebekah has been an active volunteer there for years, working closely with teachers and staff. The family describes the school as more than just an educational institution—it is a family of faith, built on principles of love, support, and community. “We know the victims,” James revealed solemnly, though the family chose not to disclose names to respect the privacy of those involved. The couple spoke passionately about the dedication of the teacher who lost their life during the tragic incident. “That particular teacher would have done anything for those kids,” Rebekah shared. “She loved her school, loved her kids, and loved teaching. It was more than a job to her—it was a calling.” James added, “They were beautiful lights, beautiful souls.”
For many students at Abundant Life Christian School, the shooting marked the first time they had experienced violence on such a scale. Jael Anna Marie’s message to her mother reflected a maturity and composure that belied the chaos unfolding around her. In the hours following the incident, as parents scrambled for information and law enforcement secured the scene, the close-knit nature of the Abundant Life community became evident. Teachers, parents, and church leaders quickly came together to provide emotional support for the children and one another. “We’re leaning on each other,” Rebekah said, her voice heavy with emotion. “That’s what we do here. We’re a family.”
The day after the shooting, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes held a press conference to clarify key details regarding the incident. During the initial investigation, it had been reported that a second-grade student had heroically placed a 911 call to alert authorities of the active shooter situation. However, Chief Barnes corrected this account, explaining that the call had, in fact, been made by a second-grade teacher. “I’d like to provide an important clarification,” Barnes said. “Yesterday, after reviewing the computer-aided dispatch system, it appeared that a call came from a second grader. In reality, the call was made by a second-grade teacher. That was a mistake, and I take full responsibility. I sincerely apologize for any confusion.” While the correction may seem minor, the revelation highlighted the bravery and quick thinking demonstrated by the school’s staff. The unnamed teacher’s actions were instrumental in alerting authorities and initiating a swift emergency response that likely saved lives.
Abundant Life Christian School, located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, has long been known as a haven for faith, education, and community. Established decades ago, the school has served generations of families, instilling both academic excellence and spiritual values in its students. Like many private schools, Abundant Life has taken significant steps in recent years to bolster safety and preparedness amid rising concerns about school shootings across the country. Rebekah Smith described the safety measures in place, explaining that it typically takes her “about five minutes” to gain entry into the building when she volunteers. The school’s exterior entrances are equipped with a buzzer system that requires visitors to identify themselves before gaining access. However, as a student, the shooter had no difficulty entering the building, a sobering reality that underscores the challenges schools face in balancing openness with security.
The Smith family praised the school’s active-shooter protocols, which they believe played a crucial role in minimizing further casualties. “They take it seriously here,” James said. “They run drills, they have locks on the doors, and the teachers know exactly what to do.” Rebekah recounted how her daughter initially believed the gunfire was maintenance work being done in the building. It wasn’t until her teacher, following established protocol, locked the classroom door and instructed students to remain silent that the seriousness of the situation became clear. Moments later, the principal’s voice came over the speaker system, confirming what everyone feared: there was an active shooter in the building, and it was not a drill.
In the hours and days following the shooting, the Madison community has rallied to support the grieving families and the staff and students of Abundant Life Christian School. Vigils have been held at local churches, where attendees have lit candles, offered prayers, and shared memories of the victims. Counselors have been made available to students and families, recognizing the profound emotional toll such incidents take on young minds. Parents have shared their own fears and frustrations, grappling with the reality that schools—once considered the safest spaces for children—are now vulnerable to such tragedies.
The broader implications of the shooting extend beyond Madison, Wisconsin. Across the United States, incidents of school violence have prompted urgent conversations about mental health, student stress, and the effectiveness of existing safety measures. Experts argue that while drills and protocols are essential, they are only one part of a larger solution. Addressing the root causes of violence, including bullying, family struggles, and mental health crises, is equally critical. “These are not isolated incidents,” said Dr. Michael Thompson, a psychologist specializing in adolescent behavior. “We need to be asking why these things are happening, what signs we’re missing, and how we can intervene before it’s too late.”
The investigation into the Abundant Life Christian School shooting is ongoing, with law enforcement working to determine the shooter’s motives and the precise timeline of events. Authorities have been careful not to release speculative information, emphasizing the need for accuracy and sensitivity in their communications. As the community waits for answers, they are turning to their faith and one another for comfort. Church leaders have played a pivotal role in providing spiritual guidance, offering messages of hope, resilience, and healing.
Rebekah Smith concluded her reflection on the incident with a heartfelt plea to the community. “Please, pray for everyone affected by this tragedy. Pray for the students, the teachers, the families, and for those who are grieving. And pray for the shooter’s family, too. They are suffering in ways we can’t imagine.” Her words reflect the compassion and strength that define the Abundant Life community, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
In a closing message shared during a community vigil, Pastor Jonathan Miller of Abundant Life Christian Church urged those in attendance to hold on to their faith and to one another. “In times of sorrow, we may feel lost, broken, and without answers. But we are not alone. God is with us, and we have each other. Through prayer, through love, and through our shared faith, we will find healing.”
As the sun set over Madison that evening, the flickering glow of candlelight illuminated the faces of students, parents, and teachers gathered together in remembrance. The silence was punctuated only by the occasional sob, a painful reminder of the lives lost and the wounds left behind. And yet, in that moment of collective grief, there was also a sense of hope—a quiet determination to honor the victims’ memories by coming together as a community, stronger and more united than ever before.
For the Smith family, the events of that Monday morning will forever be a reminder of both the fragility of life and the importance of faith. Rebekah Smith’s phone now holds a message she will never delete, a simple text that carries immeasurable weight: “Mom, I’m okay.”
