Who is Alexander Paffendorf? Man linked to Natalie Rupnow

December 19, 2024 / Kevin harson /

What’s New

A California man was ordered to hand over his guns on Tuesday after officials said he communicated with Natalie Rupnow.

The police and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized guns and ammunition from the home of 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf after a San Diego Superior Court judge granted a gun violence restraining order, according to documents obtained by NBC 7.

Why It Matters

One teacher and one student were killed in a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 16. Six others were injured. Officials identified Rupnow as the shooter. They said she died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

What To Know

The restraining order obtained by NBC 7 said that Paffendorf admitted to the FBI that he communicated with Rupnow and told her he would “arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building.”

The civil order required Paffendorf to turn over his guns and ammunition in 48 hours or less. It also said the FBI “saw the messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow.”

Paffendorf was detained, but it is unclear if he has been charged with any crimes. The order did not specify which building he planned to target or when he planned to attack.

Neighbors reported a large police presence at Paffendorf’s apartment complex in Carlsbad shortly after the judge signed the restraining order. The Carlsbad Police Department said there is no threat to the community at this time.

The deceased victims in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting have been identified as 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara and 42-year-old Erin Michelle West. Vergara had attended the school since kindergarten. West worked as a substitute coordinator and substitute teacher at the school.

Crime scene tape cordons off Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 17. A teacher and a student were fatally shot at the school on December 16.

AP Photo/Mark Vancleave

What People Are Saying

President Joe Biden, on X: “Today, families in Madison, Wisconsin are grieving the loss of those who were killed and wounded at Abundant Life Christian School. It’s shocking and unconscionable. We need Congress to act. Now.”

Madison Police Chief Barnes, at a news conference: “Every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever.”

Abundant Life Christian School, on Facebook: “We have been flooded with thoughts & prayers. This great nation is behind us. So grateful for the tsunami of prayers for our students, staff, & families.”