Deadly Shooting at Denver-Area High School Leaves Community Shaken
The Evergreen, Colorado, community is reeling after a deadly shooting at Evergreen High School during the third week of the academic year. What began as a typical Wednesday quickly turned into a scene of chaos as law enforcement officers rushed to secure the school and protect nearly 900 students. Tragically, the incident left one student dead and another critically injured, marking yet another heartbreaking chapter in the ongoing crisis of gun violence in schools.
Swift Response to an Active Shooter
The shooting occurred midday, prompting an immediate response from more than 100 law enforcement officers. Within two minutes of the first 911 call, officers arrived on campus. Authorities made contact with the shooter, a male student, within five minutes, ensuring that the situation did not escalate further.
The suspect, identified as a student at the school, sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital. Officials confirmed that one student died later in the evening but did not immediately clarify whether the deceased was the shooter. Another victim remains in critical condition, while a third injured student’s condition was stabilized.
Families Face the Fear of Gun Violence Again
For many families, the shooting was a horrifying first encounter with gun violence. But for some, it was the second time tragedy had touched their lives.
Mike Webb, the grandfather of twin brothers who attend Evergreen High, expressed shock and grief. His family had already suffered in the 2021 Atlanta-area spa shootings, when his ex-wife was among the victims. Webb described the terrifying moment when his grandsons fled for safety—one escaping down a hallway and the other running into armed officers outside the music room.
“One of the boys was in the main hallway when the shooting broke out and he just ran,” Webb recalled. “The other boy was outside of the music room, and he ran too, but he ran into police who had weapons drawn.”
A State Haunted by Gun Violence
Colorado has a tragic history of mass shootings that continues to weigh heavily on its residents. From the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, to the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting, to the 2022 Colorado Springs nightclub attack, the state has seen repeated instances of devastating violence.
This Evergreen High School shooting marks the 47th school shooting in the United States in 2025 alone—23 of those on K-12 campuses. The numbers highlight the alarming frequency of such tragedies, leaving communities across the nation on edge.
Jacki Kelley, spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, described the situation as “the scariest thing you could ever think that could happen,” adding, “We always say not again, and here we are.”
Officials Condemn the Violence
Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the shooting a heartbreaking tragedy, pledging support for families and survivors.
“This kind of violence has absolutely no place in Colorado or anywhere, especially our schools, where kids should feel safe to learn and grow,” Polis said. “No family should ever fear for their child’s life as they send them to school.”
Senator Michael Bennet also expressed his concern, praising law enforcement for their rapid response and extending his thoughts to students and teachers shaken by the incident.
Meanwhile, federal agencies including the ATF and FBI are assisting with the investigation. Authorities confirmed a revolver was used in the attack and are seeking a search warrant for the suspect’s home.
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The Evergreen community is left grappling with fear, grief, and unanswered questions. Parents rushed to a reunification center to find their children, many shaken after enduring lockdowns and witnessing scenes of violence inside their school.
For Webb and his grandsons, the reality of gun violence feels all too familiar. “I thought, at least they’re up in the mountains and it’s unlikely anything like this would happen. And sure enough, it did,” he said. He reminded his grandsons that “none of us should have to go through this” and acknowledged the painful truth: “This is the world we live in, and thank God you guys are OK.”
FAQs
Where did the Evergreen High School shooting happen?
The shooting occurred at Evergreen High School, located in the mountains of Evergreen, about 28 miles southwest of Denver, Colorado.
Who was involved in the shooting?
Authorities confirmed the suspect was a male student at the school. He sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital.
How many victims were there?
One student died, another remains in critical condition, and a third injured student was reported to be in stable condition.
What weapon was used in the attack?
Investigators confirmed that a revolver was used in the shooting.
How quickly did law enforcement respond?
Officers arrived on campus within two minutes of the first 911 call and made contact with the shooter within five minutes.
Has Colorado experienced similar tragedies before?
Yes. Colorado has faced several mass shootings, including Columbine High School in 1999, the Aurora movie theater in 2012, and the Colorado Springs nightclub attack in 2022.
What are officials doing to support students and families?
Governor Jared Polis pledged state support for counseling and recovery resources. The FBI, ATF, and local agencies are also assisting with the investigation.
