Teen School Shooters Linked Through Online Extremist Communities

Investigations reveal connections between two recent school shooters who interacted in hate-filled online spaces promoting violence and white supremacy.

Natalie Rupnow, 15, and Solomon Henderson, 17, carried out separate school shootings in Wisconsin and Tennessee, killing multiple victims before taking their own lives.
Extremism researchers found both teens active in online communities that glorify mass violence, share tactics, and promote white supremacist and antisemitic ideologies.
Henderson became fixated on Rupnow after her attack, frequently posting about her online and referring to her as a 'saintress' in extremist circles.
Social media accounts linked to both shooters posted similar photos and hateful content shortly before their respective attacks, highlighting the influence of these radical online subcultures.
Law enforcement and researchers are examining extensive writings and online activity from both attackers, with the U.S. State Department recently designating one extremist group involved as a terrorist organization.