Carlsbad man who allegedly spoke with Wisconsin school shooter identified
Dec 20, 2024
WARNING: The contents of this article discusses mental health issues and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the San Diego Access & Crisis Line at (ACL) 1-888-724-7240.
CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- More information has been confirmed regarding the Carlsbad man who federal agents say had been communicating with the teenager who went on a shooting rampage at a Christian school in Wisconsin earlier this week.
According to a Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order, 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf was in contact with Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, 15, and may have been planning a separate attack.
RELATED: Carlsbad man faces ‘Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order’: What this means
FBI agents say Paffendorf told Rupnow that he would target a government building by arming himself with explosives and a gun. He allegedly confessed those details to authorities on Monday. The day after, officers swarmed his family's home in Carlsbad in search of weapons.
"Eventually they got the garage open and they started raiding the garage," a neighbor told FOX 5/KUSI.
Other neighbors said that officers appeared to find a large gun case. However, the order states that officers did not seize any actual guns while on the premises.
Parents are still looking for more answers on how the two people were allegedly communicating with each other.
"How can a kid from California speak to a kid who is 5 years younger?" one local parent asked. "There's clearly a platform that is inciting this violent terrorist behavior."
Rupnow opened fire during a study hall at Abundant Life Christian School in the city of Madison, Wisconsin earlier this week. One student, a freshman, and a substitute teacher were killed, and six others were injured, authorities confirmed. The teen shooter, who reportedly turned the gun on herself, was also found dead at the scene.
As it stands, it's unknown if Paffendorf will face any charges. More information will be released once the FBI provides an update on the matter.
FOX 5's Tony Shin contributed to this report.