An unauthorized rooftop party held at a high-rise apartment near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus in Madison, Wisconsin turned tragic when a shooting incident left at least 12 people injured, including a number of teenagers, according to police reports.
Police arrived at the scene around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024, to find panicked attendees fleeing the premises. Police Chief Shon Barnes disclosed that the victims’ ages ranged from 14 to 23 and that the event was an illicit “sneak bash”.
Chief Barnes expressed relief at the lack of fatalities during a news conference, stating, “It is truly a miracle that no one is dead. As a community, our hearts are hurting.”
The initial injury count was ten, but two more victims came forward, raising the total to twelve. Ten were shot, while the remaining two were injured by broken glass and a shoulder injury during the frantic escape. None of the injuries were life-threatening. Barnes remarked, “These students should be enjoying their summer break, not seeking medical care.”
The police department has yet to identify any suspects or determine the motive behind the attack. Investigations are underway, with detectives scrutinizing digital evidence to identify the party’s organizers.
The rooftop shooting was part of a violent weekend in Madison, marked by two other separate shootings that left one dead and two injured. However, authorities do not believe the incidents are related, though investigations continue.
In response to the violence, Madison’s Mayor, Satya Rhodes-Conway, called for stricter gun control, stating, “We need to stop accepting guns as a conflict resolution tool and limit their availability.”
Officials from the University of Wisconsin-Madison confirmed that none of their students were involved or injured in the rooftop shooting. Campus police are collaborating with the Madison Police Department to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The ill-fated party, held at the Lux Apartment building, had over 25 attendees when the shooting occurred, although initial estimates suggested the number might have been much higher. The Madison Police Department has responded to 453 calls at The Lux since 2016, including medical emergencies and other incidents. In response to ongoing concerns, the police chief plans to discuss implementing safety measures, such as installing security cameras, with the property managers.
Chief Barnes praised the first responders’ efficient handling of the chaotic scene and their prompt provision of medical aid to the injured. “Our first responders did an incredible job under very challenging circumstances,” he said.
This spate of shootings breaks a five-week period of relative calm in Madison, without any reported gunfire. The city’s police and fire departments had recently trained for active shooter situations, although they did not expect to utilize that training so soon.
