Two students are in critical condition after a shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, on Wednesday, officials said.
The suspected shooter, also a minor and believed to be a student at the school, was injured and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Jacki Kelley, public information officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, said it is not believed that law enforcement fired any shots. Investigators are seeking a warrant to search the suspect’s home.
The first emergency call came at 12:24 p.m. local time, reporting an active shooter on school grounds. Kelley confirmed that the gunfire occurred outside the building, though investigators are still reviewing potential scenes inside.
More than 100 officers responded to the lockdown, clearing the school “room by room.” “This is the scariest thing you could ever think that could happen and these parents were really frightened and so were the kids,” Kelley said. “And I know we always say not again, and here we are.”
All three people — the two student victims and the suspect — are being treated at St. Anthony’s Hospital. “We do not believe there are any additional people injured,” hospital CEO Kevin Cullinan told reporters.
The shooting is the 47th to occur at a U.S. school this year, according to data, with nearly half taking place on K-12 campuses.
Evergreen High School, which has over 900 students, is located about 28 miles southwest of Denver.
Jefferson County Public Schools urged the community to avoid the area as multiple agencies responded. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed its involvement, along with state troopers, Governor Jared Polis said.
“Students should be able to attend school safely and without fear across our state and nation,” Polis stated. “We are all praying for the victims and the entire community.”
Senator Michael Bennet said he was “horrified” by the incident and praised law enforcement’s rapid actions. “I will continue to monitor the situation closely and think of Evergreen’s teachers and students in the wake of this senseless violence,” Bennet said.
Investigators will be interviewing students who witnessed the shooting as they work to piece together what led to the tragedy.
