California Man Investigated for Alleged Links to Wisconsin School Shooter

Alexander Paffendorf, 20, is under criminal investigation after reportedly discussing plans for violence with the 15-year-old perpetrator of a deadly school shooting in Wisconsin.

• Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old from Carlsbad, California, is being investigated for his alleged communications with Natalie Rupnow, the 15-year-old shooter responsible for a fatal school attack in Madison, Wisconsin.
• Court documents allege Paffendorf discussed plans to target a government building with explosives and firearms in messages exchanged with Rupnow before the December 16 shooting.
• The Wisconsin school shooting resulted in the deaths of a teacher and a student, injuries to six others, and the shooter taking her own life; police have not disclosed a motive.
• A gun violence restraining order against Paffendorf remains in place, requiring him to surrender firearms and ammunition while the investigation continues.
• Paffendorf, who apologized in court without detailing his actions, appeared without legal representation, prompting a judge to delay his hearing until April.

2 Articles

Times of San Diego Associated Press