Wisconsin School Shooting: Manifesto of 15-Year-Old Shooter Reveals Disturbing Racist Ideology
By Rob Redding
Editor & Publisher
NEW YORK, December 17, 2024, 1:30 p.m. ET — The recent shooting at Abundant Life Christian School has left the Madison community in shock after 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow (who went by Samantha) opened fire, fatally shooting a teacher and a fellow student while injuring six others before taking her own life, and in the aftermath, a manifesto reportedly written by Rupnow has surfaced on social media, revealing deeply troubling racist beliefs and admiration for notorious figures associated with extremist violence.
Reports indicate that Rupnow expressed admiration for several mass shooters known for their violent acts and extremist ideologies. Among them was Pekka Eric Auvinen, who perpetrated the Jokela High School massacre in Finland in 2007. Rupnow's admiration for Auvinen reflects a troubling trend among young individuals who idolize those who commit acts of violence in pursuit of a distorted ideology.
Additionally, she reportedly praised Arda Küçükyetim, a Turkish neo-Nazi who recently attacked multiple individuals in Eskişehir. In her manifesto, Rupnow referred to Küçükyetim as "an ultimate saint," highlighting her alignment with extremist views that glorify violence against perceived enemies. Küçükyetim was associated with a fascist online forum called Terrorgram, where members were encouraged to commit acts of violence as a means of achieving martyrdom within their ideology.
Rupnow also expressed admiration for Vladislav Roslyakov, who carried out the Kerch Polytechnic College massacre in Crimea in 2018. Her references to these individuals indicate a disturbing pattern of glorifying mass violence and embracing racist ideologies that advocate for white supremacy.
Symbolic Connections
Adding to the chilling details surrounding this incident is the revelation that Rupnow was reportedly photographed wearing a KMFDM T-shirt similar to one worn by Columbine shooter Eric Harris. This connection has sparked speculation about whether Rupnow's actions were influenced by past school shootings or if the link was purely coincidental.
Social media users quickly noted Rupnow's choice of clothing, which features a distinctive design associated with the German industrial band KMFDM. Harris and co-perpetrator Dylan Klebold were also known to have worn KMFDM attire during their infamous attack at Columbine High School in 1999.
Further, it has been widely underreported that the Columbine shooters targeted Isaiah Emon Shoels, a Black student, while calling him a racial slur. His father recently told the press:
“When they came in that school, they knew who they were looking for," his father said. "And if they say, I’m playing the race card, let them say it. They said 'Where’s that little n*****?' Who else could they be talking about? The world knows it’s a hate crime."
While it is notable that racial animus was clearly a part of this tragedy it never received the attention of the myth around the tragedy, like the dreaded black trench coats. Society and media reluctance to discuss the color of the dark ominous jacket over the race of the victim as the obvious motivation for Isaiah’s killing would deny him the attention he deserved and would quickly fade from the national conversation.
Community Impact
The revelation of Rupnow's racist beliefs and connections to past shooters has left many in Madison grappling with the implications of such ideologies infiltrating young minds. Local leaders have called for increased vigilance against hate speech and extremist influences in online communities.
The FBI is now involved in examining the manifesto and any connections it may have to broader patterns of violence among youth. Experts on extremism warn that online platforms can serve as breeding grounds for radical ideas, particularly among vulnerable individuals seeking belonging or purpose.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting, they are also examining Rupnow's background and any potential warning signs that may have gone unnoticed. Authorities are looking into her access to firearms and whether there were any indications of her intentions prior to the attack.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated that understanding Rupnow's motivations is crucial to preventing future tragedies.
(Rob Redding is known as America's Independent Voice. His show, Redding News Review Unrestricted, is available exclusively to subscribers on his website, ReddingNewsReview.com).