On Wednesday, a horrific shooting incident occurred at Evergreen High School, located in the Denver metro area, leaving at least three students wounded. The shooting transpired just after noon at the school, situated at 29300 Buffalo Park Rd., approximately 28 miles southwest of Denver. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident and reported that there was an active assailant in the vicinity of the high school.
Emergency communications from JeffCo indicated that the situation was critical, with reports of multiple injuries. St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood announced that three students had been admitted with gunshot wounds, and all were listed in critical condition. Authorities are currently managing an active scene, urging parents and guardians of students at Evergreen High School to refrain from heading directly to the school while the situation is being assessed.
In response to the shooting, nearby Wilmot Elementary School was placed on lockdown shortly after 1:50 p.m. Jacki Kelley, the Public Information Officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, provided an update during a press conference, stating, “We’re not certain how many shooters we have or where that shooter might be. I’m hoping to get more information to you quickly.” Kelley expressed her gratitude towards the numerous law enforcement agencies from across the Denver metro area that self-deployed to assist with the unfolding situation.
Multiple teams of law enforcement are actively engaged in clearing the school room by room, with Kelley confirming that the shooting occurred within the school premises. In order to facilitate the reunification of students with their families, the school district announced that a reunification center would be established at Bergen Meadow Elementary School, located at 1928 S. Hiwan Dr.
Following the shooting, an Evergreen High School teacher relayed to CBS Colorado that they were on lockdown with some students sheltering inside a game room within the school. By 1:45 p.m., students were seen exiting the building in single file, a critical step in ensuring their safety. Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement, remarking, “I am closely monitoring the situation at Evergreen High School and am getting live updates. State Troopers are supporting local law enforcement in responding to this situation. Students should be able to attend school safely and without fear across our state and nation. We are all praying for the victims and the entire community.”
This is a developing story, and further information will be provided as it becomes available. The community remains in shock as authorities work diligently to ensure the safety of students and address the serious implications of this tragic event.
