JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A 16-year-old student opened fire at Evergreen High School on Wednesday, wounding two classmates before taking his own life, authorities said.
The shooting began around 12:24 p.m. on school grounds — approximately four minutes after Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah. The attack unfolded both inside and outside the school building, which serves more than 900 students and had just entered its third week of the academic year.
Officials said the shooter used a revolver.
One student remains hospitalized in critical condition. The other has been treated and released.
First responders arrived quickly. Law enforcement officers entered the building within minutes. No shots were fired by police.
Gov. Jared Polis called the shooting a tragedy and said there’s “no place” for gun violence in schools, saying students deserve safety when they go to class.
Colorado Public Radio has more on the local reaction: “This is the scariest thing you could ever think could happen,” said a spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. “Honestly, I don’t know if our suspect is old enough to even drive.”
Law enforcement officers from across the metro area offered services, or even drove up unasked to the foothills to help at the scene, Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli said.
Federal officials also helped with the dozens of student interviews and the forensic investigation at the two crime scenes at the school — shootings occurred on the inside and the outside of the building.
Parents were asked to go to Bergen Meadow Elementary School at 1928 Hiwan Dr. to reunite with their students. Hundreds of parents waited in a line at the school until they met their students.
As of late Wednesday, the students had all been reunited with their families or friends, and the school was shuttered.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive.
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