Madison, Wisconsin, community grieving after deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School

About 200 families whose children attend a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, He experienced terrifying moments Monday when a student shot and killed two people and wounded several others.

A 15 year old student. at Abundant Life Christian School opened fire, killing a teacher and a student and wounding six others. The school, which serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade, has approximately 390 students.

Five students were injured, including two who were in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated. Three other students and a teacher were said to have non-life-threatening injuries.

A parent whose son attends the school told NBC Chicago that he “practically panicked on the side of the road” when he received news of the shooting.

“It’s really sad and it’s going to take a lot of time and, you know, a lot of comfort for everyone in the community,” he said.

Another parent said he drove to the school immediately.

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“I ran out, drove here, called my husband and, um, he came here,” Bethany Highman said.

Police responded to the school before 11 a.m. when a second-grade student called 911. Within minutes, officers determined the shooter he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and a gun had been recovered.

The shooting occurred during a study hall made up of students from various grades, police said.

As the search for a possible motive continued Monday night, several students, parents and community members asked “why.”

“I was scared and why did they do that? Why?” said one student, Adler Jean Charles.

Adler said shots were fired while he was in English class.

“We heard them and then some people started crying and then we just waited until the police arrived,” he said.

For hours, Adler and her classmates waited at a nearby medical clinic used as a reunification center. Their mother told NBC Chicago about the moment she recognized her children were safe.

“It’s joyful and tearful at the same time,” said Mireille Jean Charles, mother of Adler and two other students. “Because one of them could be there dying… all three of them came out safe and sound, which is a blessing, and I don’t take that for granted.”

Police had not yet released the names of the victims as of Monday night. An additional update from authorities was scheduled for midday Tuesday.

“This is not right,” said Mireille Jean Charles. “If your kids are in school they’re not okay, if they’re in church they’re not okay. If they’re outside, they’re not okay. Where are they going to be safe?”