EVERGREEN, Colo. — A male student died after he shot and wounded two of his peers at Evergreen High School before turning the gun on himself Wednesday.
All three juveniles were transported to CommonSpirit St. Anthony Health Center, where one victim remains in critical condition. The second victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was listed in stable condition, according to Dr. Brian Blackwood, head of the trauma unit at the Lakewood hospital.
In an update Wednesday night, hospital officials told Denver7 that the second victim is now "fair" and had been transferred out of the hospital to a different facility.
There is no longer an active threat, Jacki Kelley, spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, said. It is not clear what led to the shooting.
Kelley said the male suspect, who has yet to be identified, used a revolver during the shooting, which happened on school grounds both inside and outside the building.
"I can tell you that I don't believe law enforcement fired any rounds today. So, we still need to learn exactly what happened to that suspect and why he was injured the way that he is," Kelley said.
The sheriff's spokeswoman stated that the first 911 call was received at 12:24 p.m. Law enforcement response was swift, she said.
"We’re law enforcement. Police and fire just show up. When you hear the words ‘active shooter,’ and you know that there are kids involved, we’re coming," she said.
- Watch Kelley's full update in the video player below
The sheriff's office initially issued an alert for an "active assailant" in the area of Evergreen High School at 12:40 p.m., describing it as an "active scene." Authorities conducted a room-by-room search of the school to ensure no other suspects or devices were involved.
Law enforcement established a reunification point at Bergen Meadow Elementary, located at 1928 S. Hiwan Drive. All students have since been reunited with their parents, according to the sheriff's office.
More than 100 law enforcement officers from around the region responded to the scene. The school has more than 900 students enrolled, and investigators will be interviewing dozens of students and staff members who witnessed or heard the incident.
- Denver7 Investigates was there when law enforcement executed a search warrant at the suspect's home Wednesday night. Read more through the story below:
Denver7 Investigates
Law enforcement conducts search of Evergreen High School shooter's home
Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland spoke during a press conference following the shooting, expressing anger and heartbreak.
“I am devastated to share this news with you, and I'm also angry that no child should ever face this kind of danger, and no community should be asked to absorb this kind of pain,” she said.
In light of Wednesday's shooting, Jeffco Public Schools has canceled Thursday classes for all schools in the Evergreen and Conifer articulation area. Plans for Friday classes will be released on Thursday, according to the district.
Classes have been canceled at Evergreen High School for the remainder of the week.
- Watch Superintendent Dorland's full press conference below
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis released the following statement:
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families as they grapple with this senseless act of violence. I, the Evergreen Community, and the entire State of Colorado are devastated by this tragedy and will keep the victims, as well as their friends and family, in our thoughts. State law enforcement is assisting at the scene, and I am offering the assistance of my administration in the days ahead to get children and families the resources needed to cope with this terrible act of violence. This kind of violence has absolutely no place in Colorado or anywhere, especially our schools, where kids should feel safe to learn and grow. No family should ever fear for their child's life as they send them to school. I will continue to monitor and receive updates from my public safety team."
FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post that the "FBI is on scene and in full support of local authorities to ensure everyone’s safety."
Resources for the community
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit will operate a resource and information center at Bergen Meadow Elementary School on Thursday and Friday.
Victim advocates, mental health professionals, victim compensation representatives and school personnel will be at the center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. The center is open to all students, faculty, family and community members, according to the sheriff's office.
Information about retrieving vehicles and personal items from Evergreen HS will be available at the center. Students and staff who witnessed the shooting and have not yet spoken with an investigator are asked to come to the center to do so.
Students, parents describe Evergreen High School shooting
Shaken parents rushed to the reunification center Wednesday afternoon for any word on the condition of their children following the shooting.
Tye, a freshman, told Denver7 he was outside on campus when he heard popping noises and tried to get inside as soon as possible.
“It was just a lot. I walked outside the gym and heard shots. Multiple shots kept firing,” he said. “Just loud pops and at first, I didn't think it was anything – I just heard it repeatedly and it kept shooting and then I knew it was shots.”
Tye said his phone was broken and he was unable to text his parents.
Denver7's Veronica Acosta spoke with students and parents at Bergen Meadow Elementary, and she has more reactions from students here.
Students fleeing from the shooting sought refuge at a nearby home, and the heartbreaking moments were captured by a Ring doorbell camera.
*Editor's Note: Authorities said they initially thought a fourth person may have been injured in connection with the shooting, but no longer believe that is the case.
Denver7 will continue following this incident. You can visit denver7.com for the latest information. To read our previous coverage, visit the articles below:
- Evergreen High School student dies after shooting two peers and himself
- Law enforcement conducts search of Evergreen High School shooter's home | Denver7 Investigates
- Jeffco Public Schools cancels Thursday classes for Evergreen, Conifer schools following shooting
- ‘Just loud pops’: Students, parents describe Evergreen High School shooting
- 'Keep running!': Ring doorbell camera captures students fleeing from Evergreen High School shooting
- Colorado lawmakers respond to Evergreen High School shooting. Here's what they had to say.