At least 2 students injured after shooting at a Denver-area high school, officials say

Two students are in critical condition following a shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado, where more than 100 law enforcement officers conducted a room-by-room sweep as the school went into lockdown, officials reported.

The suspected gunman, described as a minor and believed to be a student at the school, was also critically injured and is receiving treatment at a local hospital, according to Jacki Kelley, public information officer for the sheriff’s department. Kelley noted that investigators do not believe officers fired their weapons but could not confirm how the suspect was wounded. Authorities are now seeking a warrant to search the suspect’s home.

The first emergency call came in at 12:24 p.m. local time, Kelley said. The gunfire occurred on school property but outside the main building, though investigators continue to check for possible crime scenes inside.

The two injured students, along with the suspected shooter, are being treated at St. Anthony’s Hospital, where officials confirmed no other victims are believed to be involved, hospital CEO Kevin Cullinan said during a briefing.

This incident marks the 47th school shooting in the U.S. this year 23 at K-12 schools and 24 on college campuses. It unfolded less than an hour after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University.

Investigators plan to interview students who witnessed the shooting at Evergreen High, which has more than 900 enrolled. “This is the kind of nightmare parents and students dread,” Kelley said. “People were terrified, and yet here we are again.”

Jefferson County Public Schools urged the public to avoid the area while law enforcement continues its response.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed on X that agents were assisting at the scene, alongside state troopers, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said.

“Students deserve to attend school without fear, here in Colorado and across the country,” Polis stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the entire Evergreen community.”

Senator Michael Bennet described himself as “horrified” by the attack, expressing gratitude to law enforcement for their rapid response. “I will be following developments closely and keeping Evergreen’s teachers and students in mind as they endure this senseless act of violence,” he said.

Evergreen is located about 28 miles southwest of Denver.