The Evergreen High School shooting in Colorado has left one student dead, another injured, and the entire community shaken during only the third week of the school year. Law enforcement officials say the suspect, a male student, suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was also hospitalized.
Authorities responded to the first 911 call within two minutes, locking down the school and searching each classroom as more than 900 students sheltered in place. For families, hours of waiting at a reunification center brought relief for some — but unimaginable grief for others.
A Swift Response and Ongoing Investigation
Police confirmed that a revolver was used in the attack. Federal agencies including the FBI and ATF are assisting in processing multiple crime scenes both inside and outside the school. Officials are also pursuing a search warrant for the suspect’s home as they continue to piece together what led to the tragedy.
“This is the scariest thing parents and kids can face,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley. “We always say not again — and here we are.”
Families Living Through Violence Again
For some, the shooting has reawakened painful memories of past tragedies. Mike Webb, the grandfather of two Evergreen students, said the attack was especially difficult because his family had already been affected by the 2021 Atlanta-area spa shootings, where his ex-wife was killed.
“One of my grandsons ran when he heard shots in the hallway, and the other ran into police with weapons drawn,” Webb explained. “No family should have to go through this twice.”
Colorado’s Painful History with School Violence
Colorado has endured multiple high-profile mass shootings, from Columbine in 1999 to Aurora in 2012. Wednesday’s incident marks the 47th school shooting in the U.S. this year alone, highlighting the ongoing struggle with gun violence across the nation.
Governor Jared Polis called the shooting “a terrible act of violence” and promised state resources to help families heal. Senator Michael Bennet also expressed horror, thanking first responders for their swift action while pledging to support the Evergreen community.
