Madison West High School
Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, WI
12/20/2024
It’s December. Snow has fallen. Christmas trees and decorations are being hung. People are preparing for their holiday break. And here in Madison, WI, a school shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School, which left three dead, including the shooter, has sadly found us and rocked the community.
Today, Madison area high school students have organized a walkout in protest of the apathy from those who could and should help mitigate or eliminate issues we see time and time again with access to guns and not addressing issues that lead to a person wanting to commit a mass shooting.
Meeting on the steps of Madison West High School, a couple of hundred students Marched to the Wisconsin State Capitol, where other Madison area high school students met them to speak out about their anger, anxiety, and fear for themselves, their siblings, and their friends, and generations to follow. Many spoke of never knowing a time when active shooter drills were not part of their yearly routine, adding the panic that these drills caused, especially when they didn’t know if it was a drill or the real thing happening.
Others expressed, in no uncertain terms, their disgust with the NRA, politicians, and the police for their unwillingness to address their concerns and fears and not only enact stronger and stricter but at least enforce what is already on the books. Republican politicians especially were called out and sharply criticized for the only thing they ever offered was their ‘thoughts and prayers,’ which does very, very little to help and causes more anger and frustration. Several local politicians also spoke, apologizing for previous generations’ failure to protect the children. While some cheered and clapped when these sentiments were expressed, others stood silently, blankly staring at the politician. They knew their words were hollow and thought nothing would change anytime soon because nothing since Columbine has made anyone believe those in power care enough to make a change. Capitalism, greed, and a thirst for power prevent those who could make change from making change because doing so doesn't serve their best interests.
Sadly, I’ve always felt that it’s not a matter of ‘if’ it will happen here but ‘when’ it will happen. As a parent with a daughter who will be in high school next year, the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School sent fear and panic through me when the news broke, leaving me furiously texting my thirteen-year-old to make sure she was alright, even though she was on the opposite side of the city. That evening, as we talked about the shooting and its aftermath, she said to me, “You’re probably more upset than I am.” It’s a sad truth, as she, too, has never known a time when active shooter drills were not a thing.
Note: I am not affiliated with any political organizations. I am an independent freelance photographer covering marches, protests, and rallies in Madison, Wisconsin, documenting the people's right to free speech and their right to organize.
