A new angle has emerged in the investigation into a mass shooting at a Wisconsin school, with a 20-year-old man from California in custody on suspicion of conspiring with the Madison school shooter. Alexander PafendorfA Carlsbad, Calif., man has been linked to a fatal attack on suspicion of plotting to carry out a mass shooting at a government building. Abundant Life Christian School earlier this week.
According to court records reviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Paffendorf admitted in an interview with the FBI that he communicated his violent plans to 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow. He was subsequently detained. Rupnow, who shot dead a student and a teacher and wounded six others, allegedly received messages from Paffendorf detailing his intention to arm himself with explosives and guns in a coordinated attack. intention.
“I will arm myself with explosives and guns and target government buildings,” Paffendorf allegedly told Rupnow. gun violence restraining order. FBI agents investigating the case confirmed they had obtained disturbing information about Paffendorf and Rupnow.
CBS 8 first reported the details, which complicate an already harrowing case. While Wisconsin authorities have not commented further, Madison Police Chief Sean Barnes confirmed to the Journal Sentinel that he was not aware of the arrest and deferred questions to the FBI.
The arrest in California came after a San Diego judge on Tuesday approved a restraining order requiring Paffendorf to turn over all guns and ammunition. He is also prohibited from acquiring any new weapons. Within hours of the judge’s ruling, law enforcement officers descended on Paffendorf’s Carlsbad apartment complex, and neighbors reported witnessing a tense confrontation. “They were out in the street with heavily armed guns raised,” recalled neighbor Alex Gallegos, describing the scene as police cars and armed officers swarmed the area. “There are about 15 police officers here.”
Paffendorf’s court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3, but questions remain about the nature of his relationship with Rupnow, who was allegedly influenced by him to carry out the shooting at the Christian school. Rupnow, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, brought two handguns to school on Monday, but reports said only one weapon was used in the attack.
