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.
