Did the Madison Shooter Leave a Manifesto? A Closer Look at What It Says

Dec 18, 2024

Photo from @slatzism on X. From her tweet, “Her boyfriend says the photo that is making the rounds is not how he remembers her, and believes it was somewhat edited “to make her look worse.” He provided me a photo of her in the same t-shirt and room.

Disclaimer and Purpose

The information presented in this article is unconfirmed and should be taken with caution. The manifesto and related details come from an X (formerly Twitter) user (@Slatzism), who claims to have obtained them from the shooter’s boyfriend. While the authenticity has not been officially verified, the content appears consistent and relevant to understanding the mindset behind the tragic incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.

The X user, Anna Slatz, is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Reduxx, an independent media site with a journalistic focus on crime, child predators, and women’s rights. Her involvement adds context to the reporting and highlights a focus on accuracy and underreported stories.

Law enforcement is likely pursuing verification through tools such as warrants to Google, given claims that the shooter created the manifesto in a Google Doc but failed to make it public. However, based on my experience, tech companies are often slow to respond, and authorities may never comment on its authenticity or release the document publicly.

This article brings forward the information because it holds critical relevance for church and school safety teams. Understanding the warning signs and identifying key patterns can help prevent future tragedies.

Who Was the Shooter? Setting the Record Straight

The alleged shooter has been identified as Samantha Rupnow, a 15-year-old student at Abundant Life Christian School. Despite online speculation, it is important to clarify that there is not proof, yet, that she was transgender. Samantha was born female, and this was confirmed by her long-distance boyfriend, who shared these details after the incident.

Her boyfriend, who had known her for two years, stated that:

They met on social media but had never met in person.
Samantha had a troubled home life and felt isolated at school.
He was unaware of her plans for violence but emphasized that bullying and a deteriorating relationship with her family were major factors in her growing anger.
Samantha sent him the 6-page manifesto the day of the shooting via WhatsApp at approximately 10:30 AM (Eastern).
She then posted it to Twitter at 11:50 AM (Eastern). The shooting itself occurred shortly after, at approximately 11:57 AM (Eastern).
The boyfriend did not see her message until 1:12 PM (Eastern), by which point the shooting had occurred, and Samantha was already deceased.

The boyfriend describes Samantha as kind, generous, and cheerful in their interactions. He noted that she often made gifts for him without expecting anything in return, which contrasts sharply with the anger and despair expressed in her manifesto.

In addition, he claims Samantha sent him the 6-page manifesto, titled “War Against Humanity,” prior to the incident. Screenshots show that the document was written in a Google Doc but was not made publicly accessible, indicating a likely oversight.

It has also been reported that the manifesto was posted approximately 35 minutes before the first reports of the shooting came in, suggesting that the attack was already underway when it went live.

Manifesto Highlights and Key Themes

At this stage, I’m providing a brief overview of the manifesto’s themes for context. I’ll address each section of the manifesto more in-depth in later analysis, particularly to identify warning signs and discuss interventions for school and church staff.

Her manifesto introduces herself, her grievances against society, and a deep sense of alienation. She describes her belief that the world is filled with ‘filth’ and expresses admiration for previous mass shooters.”

The manifesto begins with Samantha’s introduction. She identifies herself, her age, and her birthday, linking it to previous violent events like Pekka Eric Auvinen’s 2007 attack. This suggests a fixation on historical acts of violence. Samantha also describes obtaining weapons through manipulation and deception, specifically blaming her father for facilitating access, whether knowingly or through negligence.

Why This Matters for Church and School Safety

This tragic event underscores the importance of recognizing early warning signs among students or congregants. Samantha’s writing reveals themes that are common red flags in individuals who escalate to violence:

Social isolation and bullying: She describes being teased, ignored, and rejected by her peers.
Family dysfunction: The manifesto highlights parental neglect, substance abuse, and broken relationships as contributing factors.
Obsession with past violent individuals: Samantha admires and praises known shooters, referring to them as inspirations or saints.
Expressions of hopelessness and anger: Her writing conveys a deep hatred for society and a desire to act out against perceived injustices.

These signs, while troubling, provide opportunities for intervention if properly recognized. Staff and volunteers in schools and churches must be equipped to identify these indicators and respond appropriately.

Manifesto Page 1 Analysis

Overview of Page 1: Samantha introduces herself, stating her name, birthday, and personal background. She mentions how past violent events, such as Pekka Eric Auvinen’s 2007 attack, influenced her perspective on life. The tone begins with resentment toward society and her family.

Key Red Flags:

Obsession with historical acts of violence: By directly referencing a previous attacker and linking it to her birthday, Samantha reveals a fixation on violent individuals.
Grievances toward family: Blaming her father for access to weapons signals deep parental resentment and negligence.
Feelings of inevitability: Phrases such as “I planned this myself and nobody else” suggest a lack of hope for intervention or change.

Manifesto Page 2 Analysis

Overview of Page 2: Page 2 builds on Samantha’s grievances toward society and her school environment. She describes a growing sense of alienation and frustration with the people around her, particularly peers who she felt ignored or mistreated her. She begins to express hopelessness about the future and frames her actions as inevitable.

Key Red Flags:

Hatred toward peers: Phrases describing peers as “filth” or “nothing but scum” suggest escalating dehumanization, a common precursor to violent action.
Feelings of isolation: Samantha details being excluded socially and frames this as proof that she was misunderstood and mistreated.
Loss of future focus: Phrases like “there’s no help” or “it’s all over” highlight a resignation to violence as her only path forward.

Manifesto Page 3 Analysis

Overview of Page 3: On Page 3, Samantha begins idolizing past mass shooters in greater detail, identifying them as “saints” or “beings of truth.” She references individuals such as Pekka Eric Auvinen, Arda Küçükyetim, and Vladislav Roslyakov, describing their actions as “masterpieces” and sources of personal inspiration. Samantha frames their violence as justified responses to societal rejection and decay.

Key Red Flags:

Idolization of past attackers: Viewing violent individuals as role models is a significant warning sign. Her language portrays these individuals as heroic and justified.
Glorification of violence: Describing attacks as “masterpieces” and promoting a narrative of revenge normalizes and romanticizes extreme violence.
Self-identification with attackers: Samantha aligns her worldview with those she admires, signaling a dangerous level of internalization and intent.

Manifesto Pages 4 and 5 Analysis

Overview of Pages 4 & 5: Samantha’s writing becomes increasingly hateful and nihilistic, condemning humanity as “filth” and society as irredeemable. She expresses deep anger toward her family, peers, and society, and begins to articulate her belief that violence is a justified response to her perceived suffering.

Key Red Flags:

Nihilism and hopelessness: Phrases like “humanity is filth” and “there’s nothing left” highlight her belief that nothing can change.
Hateful rhetoric: Samantha dehumanizes others, framing them as worthless and deserving of harm.
Desire for revenge: She articulates a sense of justice through violence, a dangerous escalation.

Manifesto Page 6 Analysis

Overview of Page 6: Page 6 serves as the culmination of Samantha's manifesto, revealing her final thoughts on humanity, violence, and her perceived role in the “revolution.” She combines nihilistic rhetoric with a justification for her actions, asserting that her hatred for humanity is mutual. Samantha’s writing escalates to a complete rejection of morality, describing violence as a necessary and even rational act.

Key Red Flags:

Finality and escalation: Phrases such as “I am part of the real thought and the real revolution” show a full commitment to her violent ideology and a rejection of societal norms.
Mutual hatred: Samantha expresses a belief that her hatred for humanity is reciprocal, further rationalizing her intent to commit violence.
Rejection of moral reasoning: She dismisses ethical considerations, stating that she does not care about societal or personal consequences, which signals an advanced level of psychological detachment.

Significance for Safety Teams: Page 6 underscores the urgency of intervention when an individual demonstrates an escalating mix of nihilism, isolation, and violent ideology. By the time Samantha wrote these final pages, her worldview had solidified, leaving little room for traditional engagement strategies.

Practical Recommendations for Safety Teams: Identifying and Addressing Warning Signs

With the manifesto fully analyzed, the next step is to outline practical measures for church and school safety teams. This includes early identification of red flags, appropriate intervention protocols, and necessary training programs to equip staff with tools to respond effectively.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Samantha’s manifesto reveals key warning signs that, when recognized early, can trigger intervention. Safety teams should familiarize themselves with the following indicators:

1. Social Isolation and Bullying

Repeated mentions of rejection by peers and family.
Expressions of hopelessness like “Nobody really looked at me in a good way”.
Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities.
Unchecked bullying can exacerbate a sense of alienation and escalate to violence.

2. Obsession with Violence and Past Incidents

Samantha referenced and admired previous mass shooters (e.g., Pekka Eric Auvinen, Arda Küçükyetim, Vladislav Roslyakov).
Frequent discussions, writings, or drawings glorifying violence should be a significant red flag.
Monitor fixations on weapons, historical attacks, or extremist ideologies.

3. Hatred Toward Society and Nihilism

Repeated themes of societal collapse, hatred of humanity, and dehumanization of others.
Language describing people as “filth” or “scum” signals dangerous levels of detachment.
Manifestos or writings that promote violence as “justified” need to be immediately flagged and addressed.

4. Family Dysfunction and Neglect

Samantha described severe parental neglect and a lack of emotional support.
Signs of domestic instability (e.g., substance abuse, emotional abuse) should not be ignored.
A child or teen expressing resentment and hatred toward family may require mental health intervention.

5. Expressions of Hopelessness or Suicidal Ideation

Direct statements of despair, such as “There’s no help” or “I planned on shooting myself awhile ago”.
Escalating hopelessness paired with anger is a critical risk factor.

Intervention Protocols for Schools and Churches

Preventing tragedies like the one at Abundant Life Christian School requires a proactive, multi-layered approach. Below are key intervention protocols that school and church safety teams can implement:

1. Form a Threat Assessment Team

Establish a multidisciplinary team composed of safety leaders, school counselors, administrators, and mental health professionals.

Train the team to identify, assess, and address threatening behaviors using proven behavioral threat assessment frameworks.
Focus on patterns of escalating concerns rather than isolated incidents.

Why This Matters:
Shooter manifestos often reveal long-term grievances and planning. A trained team can identify these risks early and take preemptive action.

2. Monitor Patterns of Behavior

Warning signs often appear gradually and across different settings.

Encourage teachers, volunteers, students, and congregants to report concerns anonymously.
Monitor for sudden changes in behavior, disturbing writings, social media activity, or expressed threats.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Obsession with past attackers or violence
Expressions of hopelessness, hatred, or revenge
Withdrawal, isolation, and suicidal ideation

3. Create a Safe Reporting Environment

Many individuals hesitate to report concerning behaviors due to fear of retaliation or being dismissed.

Develop a trusted reporting system that prioritizes anonymity and confidentiality.
Communicate to all staff, students, and congregants that reports will be handled seriously and sensitively.

Why This Matters:
Creating a culture of trust ensures that warning signs are shared early, allowing intervention before behaviors escalate.

4. Prioritize Mental Health Support

Isolation, depression, and psychological distress are recurring themes among individuals who escalate to violence.

Train staff to recognize signs of mental health struggles, including depression, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts.
Ensure that licensed mental health professionals are available to counsel at-risk individuals and their families.

Key Step: Provide follow-up care to ensure those flagged receive ongoing support.

5. Address Bullying and Social Rejection

Bullying and social exclusion are major contributors to escalating anger and violence.

Implement zero-tolerance policies for bullying and harassment in schools and churches.
Foster inclusive environments through peer support programs, mentorship, and community-building activities.

Why This Matters:
Manifestos like Samantha’s frequently reveal feelings of rejection, bullying, and alienation—early intervention in these areas can help change outcomes.

6. Strengthen Access Control and Security Policies

Security measures play a critical role in preventing access to weapons and facilities:

Conduct regular security drills, including active shooter scenarios and lockdown training.
Evaluate policies on weapons storage, especially for families with troubled youth.
Assess vulnerabilities in physical security, such as unlocked doors, unmonitored entrances, or unsecure areas.

Note: Safety teams must ensure drills and security updates are tailored to their unique facility and congregation.

Training Recommendations for Staff

Proper training equips school and church staff to identify, intervene, and respond effectively. Below are actionable training initiatives:

1. Behavioral Threat Recognition Training

Equip staff to recognize early warning signs of escalating behavior.

Use real-world case studies (like this manifesto) to highlight patterns involving:
- Bullying and social rejection
- Violent ideation and admiration of past attackers
- Isolation and expressions of hopelessness

Why This Matters:
Training helps staff connect the dots between minor concerns and larger, dangerous trends.

2. De-escalation Training

Teach staff techniques to interact safely with individuals exhibiting concerning or volatile behaviors.

Focus on non-confrontational communication, active listening, and defusing tense situations.

Key Benefit: De-escalation techniques can resolve situations early, avoiding unnecessary escalation.

3. Crisis Intervention Training

Prepare staff to respond quickly to immediate threats or emergencies.

Develop step-by-step protocols for escalating situations, including:
- Lockdown procedures
- Evacuation plans
- Coordinating with law enforcement

4. Safety Drills and Scenarios

Regular drills ensure preparedness for emergencies:

Conduct active shooter and lockdown drills tailored to your facility’s layout.
Integrate role-playing exercises that focus on recognizing early warning signs and responding appropriately.

Why This Matters:
Realistic drills improve response times and ensure staff remain calm under pressure.

5. Mental Health Awareness Programs

Provide ongoing education to staff on adolescent mental health and psychological distress.

Cover topics such as trauma, depression, and the intersection of social isolation and violent ideation.
Encourage staff to engage with struggling individuals compassionately and seek help early.

Remembering the Victims

In the aftermath of this tragedy, it is critical that we don’t lose sight of those who truly matter—the victims and their families. It’s easy to get caught up in understanding the perpetrator’s mindset, breaking down red flags, and identifying missed opportunities for intervention. But those things come second to the real impact: innocent lives shattered, families broken, and a school community forever changed.

The Bible teaches us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15), and now is that time. Grieving is part of the process, and it’s important to recognize the deep loss. Parents are mourning their children. Teachers are asking what they could have done differently. Students will carry this memory for the rest of their lives. The pain may feel unbearable.

But God’s Word also offers reassurance that He is close to the brokenhearted:

Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This verse reminds us that God doesn’t abandon us in the midst of suffering. When we are broken, when our hearts ache with grief, He draws near. There is no tragedy beyond His reach, no pain so deep that His comfort cannot touch it. In moments like this, when the weight of the world feels overwhelming, we turn to the One who carries us through it.

We are also reminded in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 that God not only comforts us in our troubles, but He equips us to comfort others:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

This is more than just a call to prayer—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a member of the church staff, a school counselor, a safety team volunteer, or simply part of the community, this is a time to step up. Pray for the families and loved ones of the victims. Check on your friends and neighbors. Be present in the lives of those who are grieving. God can use us to bring His comfort to others, but that requires us to act.

Jesus told us plainly in John 16:33:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Evil is real, and tragedies like this are painful reminders of the brokenness that comes from sin. But that brokenness is not the end of the story. Christ has already overcome the world. The victory belongs to Him, and through Him, we have hope. That doesn’t take away the pain, but it gives us assurance that evil does not have the final say.

What We Can Do

Pray for the victims and their families. Pray for God’s peace to surround them and for His strength to carry them through the coming days.
Lift up the school and church community. This will be a long road. Offer your prayers and support in any way you can.
Remember the bigger picture. As safety team members, parents, and Christians, we are tasked with more than just responding to threats—we are called to build communities rooted in faith, love, and care.

This tragedy should shake us, but it shouldn’t leave us hopeless. If anything, it should remind us of what is at stake. Every church and every school must commit to being places where people feel seen, supported, and safe. And as Christians, we carry the responsibility of bringing Christ’s light to even the darkest moments.

For now, though, we mourn. And we turn to the only One who can offer true comfort.

Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Let’s lean on that peace, lift up the victims and their families, and resolve to honor them through our actions moving forward.

Final Thoughts: Prevention Through Preparedness

Samantha’s manifesto reveals a tragic escalation of anger, isolation, and hatred—but it also serves as a roadmap for intervention. By proactively identifying red flags, implementing intervention protocols, and training staff to act with confidence and compassion, schools and churches can take meaningful steps to prevent violence before it occurs.