A 20-year-old California man was detained by the FBI after allegedly communicating with the Wisconsin school shooter who killed two people at Abundant Life Christian School, according to an emergency protective order obtained by NBC San Diego.
Alexander Paffendorf of Carlsbad reportedly admitted to FBI agents that he told 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow of his plans to target a government building with explosives and firearms. The protective order, served Tuesday, requires Paffendorf to surrender any firearms while investigators examine messages between him and Rupnow.
The connection emerged as investigators probe Monday’s shooting at the Madison school, where Rupnow killed staff member Erin West, 42, and student Rubi Vergara, 14, before taking her own life. Two students remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, while four others have been released.
Madison police, leading the investigation with FBI support, recovered two guns at the school scene, though only one handgun was used in the shooting. The ATF has completed weapons traces, but details remain sealed as authorities continue examining Rupnow’s social media accounts and communications.
The FBI’s San Diego office stated they’re “not aware of any ongoing threats” in either state, while Carlsbad police confirmed no current threat to their community. A court hearing regarding Paffendorf’s protective order is scheduled for January 3, though he currently faces no criminal charges.
