Authorities are currently investigating how a 15-year-old shooter gained access to the gun used in a recent attack, as reported by Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes. Both federal and Wisconsin laws generally prohibit individuals under 18 from possessing firearms. State law also prohibits the intentional sale, loan, or gifting of a dangerous weapon to individuals under 18, with exceptions that permit minors to possess firearms for target practice under adult supervision, for military use, or for hunting purposes.
Wisconsin additionally enforces a child access firearm law that deems it illegal to negligently store a loaded firearm within reach of a child under 14 years old. Recent incidents involving teenage school shooters in Oxford, Michigan, and Winder, Georgia, have led to charges against parents for allegedly providing their children access to firearms despite concerns about their mental health.
In the Madison shooting case, Chief Barnes mentioned that investigators are exploring the possibility of parental negligence but stated that there is currently no evidence to support this claim. He reassured the public that the parents are cooperating fully with the investigation and that there are no indications of criminal activity on their part at this time.
