Police in Madison, Wisconsin, reported that a shooting at an unsanctioned rooftop party in the early hours of Sunday led to at least 12 people being injured, including several minors. The incident took place at a high-rise apartment structure located near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
The Madison Police Department received a call regarding the incident at approximately 12:45 a.m. on June 9, 2024. According to Police Chief Shon Barnes, upon arriving at the scene, the officers found a pandemonium with numerous individuals escaping the building. The unauthorized gathering, referred to as a “sneak bash,” had victims ranging in age from 14 to 23.
“It is truly a miracle that no one is dead,” Chief Barnes stated during a news conference. “As a community, our hearts are hurting.”
Initial reports listed ten injured individuals. However, the count increased to 12 as more victims surfaced. Ten of the injured had gunshot wounds, while others were harmed by broken glass or sustained a shoulder injury in the chaos of fleeing the scene. Despite the seriousness of the situation, none of the injuries were deemed life-threatening.
“These students should be enjoying their summer break, not seeking medical care,” commented Barnes.
As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the motive for the shooting remains unknown. Detectives from the Madison Police Department are investigating the matter and examining digital evidence to identify the party’s organizers.
This incident was part of a violent weekend in Madison, which witnessed two other separate shooting incidents. A 27-year-old man lost his life in a shooting on Friday, and a drive-by shooting on Sunday night left two people injured, one critically. The authorities do not believe the incidents are related, but investigations are ongoing.
In response to the violence, Madison’s Mayor, Satya Rhodes-Conway, called for stricter gun control, emphasizing, “We need to stop accepting guns as a conflict resolution tool and limit their availability.”
Officials from the University of Wisconsin-Madison confirmed no students from the university were involved or injured in the rooftop shooting. The university’s campus police are working in conjunction with the Madison Police Department to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The police stated that over 25 attendees were present at the Lux Apartment building, the site of the party, during the shooting. However, early estimates suggested the attendance could have been in the hundreds. The Lux has been the site of 453 service calls to the Madison Police Department since 2016, including medical emergencies and other incidents. In light of these events, the police chief intends to meet with the property managers to discuss the installation of security cameras and other safety measures.
Chief Barnes commended the quick response of the emergency services in managing the chaotic scene and providing prompt medical aid to the injured. “Our first responders did an incredible job under very challenging circumstances,” he said.
The shootings marked the end of a five-week period without any reported gunfire incidents in Madison. The city’s police and fire departments had recently trained for active shooter scenarios, although without expecting to apply their training so soon.