In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, a shooting occurred at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, resulting in injuries to at least four students. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that emergency responders are transporting the injured students to local hospitals, with updates provided by ABC News.
The first report of the shooting was received at approximately 12:24 p.m. local time. Law enforcement officials quickly engaged with the suspect, who has since been neutralized. Although the campus was initially placed on lockdown, officials have announced that the lockdown has now been lifted as they continue to sweep through the school grounds to ensure safety.
According to a hospital spokesperson, three of the injured students are in critical condition and are being transported to St. Anthony Hospital. A fourth student has also been taken to the hospital, but details regarding their injuries remain unclear. Investigators believe the shooter may be among those injured, raising concerns about the age and identity of the suspect.
Jacki Kelley, the spokesperson for the sheriff's office, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is the scariest thing you'd think could ever happen.” She also mentioned uncertainty about the suspect’s age, highlighting that “I don't know if our suspect is even old enough to drive.”
The scene has drawn a significant response from law enforcement, with hundreds of police officers present to secure the area and search each room on the campus. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also on-site, ready to assist in the investigation. Additionally, the Denver FBI has issued a statement acknowledging their awareness of the situation and confirming that personnel are responding to offer support.
In light of the incident, parents are being instructed to reunite with their children at Bergen Meadow Elementary. This location has been designated as a safe meeting point for families as the situation continues to develop. Officials are urging parents to remain calm and await further instructions regarding their children’s safety.
This is an evolving story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The community in Evergreen is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, as students, families, and law enforcement work together to navigate this challenging situation.
For the latest updates, please check back frequently as this story develops.