​Gay Dem who represents district of Wisconsin school shooting demands action, not just ‘thoughts and prayers’

In the wake of a Monday morning school shooting that left a teacher, a teenage student, and the alleged teen shooter dead in Madison’s east side, gay U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat who represents the district, urged fellow lawmakers to move beyond condolences and enact concrete gun control measures.

“‘Thoughts and prayers’ offer comfort to the families and communities affected but have not changed our unique reality as Americans,” Pocan said in a statement. “It’s time for action.” He pointed to being the co-sponsor of “several gun violence prevention and youth mental health bills that will help prevent future tragedies like this. It’s time for my Republican colleagues to grow a backbone and put our children above the gun lobby by passing commonsense gun safety laws that will save countless lives.”

The shooting at Abundant Life Christian School also left six other students injured, two of them critically. Authorities said the alleged shooter, who died at the scene and was armed with a 9 mm handgun, was also a student at the private Christian school that serves about 390 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Police said during a press conference that their search for a motive continues. The suspected shooter’s name, gender, and other identifying details have not been released, but CNN reports that the suspect was a student was female. Investigators described the violence as confined to one area of the school, which was in its final week of classes before the Christmas break.

Pocan expressed solidarity with the community. “My heart goes out to the victims of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting, their loved ones, and our entire community,” Pocan said. “I would also like to express my profound gratitude to our local law enforcement and first responders who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Their bravery and dedication do not go unnoticed.”

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a lesbian representing Wisconsin, wrote, “My heart goes out to all those impacted,” in a post on X. “I stand ready to assist law enforcement and anyone affected.”

As rescue workers rushed the wounded to area hospitals, parents and guardians converged on a nearby health clinic where officials arranged reunifications with students who escaped the classroom gunfire. Madison’s public schools temporarily tightened security, though the shooting occurred at a private institution unaffiliated with the district.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said he closely monitored the situation and praised first responders who answered the call. The White House said President Joe Biden had been briefed on the tragedy.