A California man, identified as 22-year-old Alexander Paffendorf, has been detained in connection with a thwarted school shooting plot targeting a Madison, Wisconsin school. Paffendorf was arrested on December 18, 2024, and is suspected of planning the attack after a tip-off led authorities to monitor online communications involving him. Nataline Rupnow, a local resident, was identified as his accomplice. The FBI and Madison police reported that a series of texts and Facebook messages between Paffendorf and Rupnow—they discussed weapons acquisition and plans for the attack—has raised serious alarm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the intended target or potential casualties, but they confirmed that the plot was serious enough to warrant immediate action. ‘The quick response of law enforcement was crucial in preventing a potential tragedy,’ Madison police chief stated during a press conference. Paffendorf is currently being held without bail while he awaits further court proceedings. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing concerns surrounding school safety and the necessity for vigilant community awareness.
California Man Detained in Connection with Madison School Shooting Plot
