Shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado leaves 3 students hurt; first responders “not certain how many shooters”

Three students were critically wounded on Wednesday in a shooting at Evergreen High School in the Colorado foothills. So far, it’s not clear who the shooter or shooters are, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting took place just after noon at the school located at 29300 Buffalo Park Road in Evergreen, which is 28 miles southwest of Denver.

At 12:40 p.m., JeffCo emergency communications said there are reports of “an active assailant in the area of Evergreen High School.”

St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood said there are three Evergreen High School students at the hospital who suffered gunshot wounds; all are in critical condition.

We’ve received three victims, all minors from Evergreen High School. They are currently being actively treated at St. Anthony Hospital. We are a Level 1 Trauma Center and prepared for situations like this,” said Kevin Cullinan, President, CEO of CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital. “Each of the victims that we have sustained gunshot wounds. They are all, all three victims are all either in the Emergency Department or operating rooms at this time.”  

It’s still an active scene, and authorities asked those with students at the school not to go directly to the school at this time. Nearby, Wilmot Elementary School was also placed on lockdown just after 1:50 p.m.

Jacki Kelley, the Public Information Officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, said during a press conference that “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.” The sheriff’s office began receiving numerous calls coming from the school immediately following the shooting, she shared.

Kelley expressed her gratitude for departments from across the Denver metro area that self-deployed to help with the situation. She said multiple teams of law enforcement are in the process of clearing the school room by room. Kelley confirmed that the shooting happened on school grounds and said that, at this time, they believe it took place inside the school.

The school district provided an update around 1:30 p.m. that a reunification center will be located at Bergen Meadow Elementary School, located at 1928 S. Hiwan Dr.

Shortly following the shooting, an Evergreen High School teacher told CBS Colorado that they were on lockdown with some students inside a game room in the school. As of 1:45 p.m., students could be seen exiting the school single file.

Gov. Jared Polis released a statement Wednesday, saying, “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; more information will be provided as it becomes available.