A 16-year-old student has been identified as the gunman in a shooting at Evergreen High School that wounded two classmates and left the suspect dead, Jefferson County authorities said Thursday.
Officials identified the teen as Desmond Holly and said he opened fire outside the high school, about 30 miles west of Denver. The sheriff’s office said some of the shots appeared to reach inside the building. The gunman later shot himself and was taken to a hospital, where he died, authorities said.
A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the teen had been “radicalized by some extremist network,” remarks that were made during a press conference and reported by the New York Times. Authorities did not provide further details about the network or the nature of the radicalization on Thursday. Investigators said they continue to examine the shooter’s motive, any affiliations and how he obtained the weapon, which the sheriff’s office described as a revolver.
Two students struck by gunfire were transported to area hospitals and were listed in critical condition, officials said. School officials and law enforcement locked down Evergreen High School and searched the campus during the response. Local emergency personnel, including school resource officers and sheriff’s deputies, were on scene within minutes, authorities said.
Law enforcement officials urged the community to allow investigators to complete their work and to avoid sharing unverified information. The sheriff’s office said it would release more details as they become available and asked anyone with information to contact investigators.
The shooting drew responses from local leaders expressing concern for the victims and their families and noting the ongoing investigation. School district officials said counseling and support services would be made available to students and staff.
Authorities did not immediately release a motive beyond the comment about extremist influence and did not identify any co-conspirators or additional suspects. Federal agencies, including the FBI, sometimes assist local law enforcement in cases involving potential extremist ties; the sheriff’s office did not confirm any federal involvement on Thursday.
The identification came a day after the shooting. As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the attack, the case is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny of issues that have been central to national debates on school safety, youth radicalization and gun access. Authorities asked residents to report tips and remain patient while they gather evidence and interview witnesses.
This is a developing story. Further information will be provided as officials release more details.