One Dead, Several Injured in Evergreen High School Shooting

A shooting at Evergreen High School in the Colorado foothills has resulted in one fatality, according to medical professionals. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has not yet confirmed whether the deceased was one of the two students who were shot or the suspect, who was also hospitalized with self-inflicted injuries.

The incident occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m. at the school, located approximately 28 miles southwest of Denver. Jacki Kelley, the Public Information Officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, reported that authorities received numerous calls about the shooting beginning at 12:24 p.m. Deputies arrived on the scene within two minutes and made contact with the shooter within five minutes. No law enforcement officers discharged their weapons.

Preliminary investigations indicate that shots were fired both inside and outside the school building. The suspect, a juvenile male, used a handgun. Numerous students witnessed the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the suspect's injuries are still under investigation.

St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood confirmed that three Evergreen High School students were admitted with gunshot wounds. Two students were in critical condition, while the third had non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities later announced that one of the students had died.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from the Denver metropolitan area responded to the scene. After the initial response, officers cleared the school room by room, declaring the scene safe. A reunification center was established at Bergen Meadow Elementary School for parents and guardians to reunite with their children.

The reunification process was challenging due to the chaos following the shooting, with students scattering in various directions. The primary focus was ensuring students were reunited with their families.

Following the shooting, an Evergreen High School teacher reported being on lockdown with students in a game room. Shortly after 1:30 p.m., people began exiting the school. A mother shared that her son, a freshman, was in the lunchroom when he heard numerous gunshots. She emphasized the importance of parents discussing such scenarios with their children and advising them on appropriate actions.

Jeffco Public Schools canceled after-school activities to focus on supporting the Evergreen community. Highway 73 near Evergreen Lake was closed for several hours but later reopened.

Governor Jared Polis and other elected officials expressed their concern and offered prayers for the victims and the community. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded to the scene.