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Editor’s note: This is a developing story. We will update it as new information becomes available.
A student opened fire at Evergreen High School on Wednesday, September 10, injuring two other students before turning the gun on himself. The attack began at approximately 12:24 p.m., and all three were rushed to CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, where the suspected shooter later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As of September 17, one victim remains in critical condition and one in serious condition.
“This is the scariest thing that could ever happen, and these parents were really frightened, and so were the kids,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley on the day of the shooting, according to the Denver Post. “And I know we say ‘never again,’ and here we are.”
The suspect, 16-year-old Desmond Holly, reportedly used a handgun during the attack. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrived on campus two minutes after the shooting began, and officers were able to speak with all three students, including the suspected shooter.
“We know that the suspect had a handgun, and he had to keep reloading,” Kelley said during a media briefing Thursday morning. “He would fire and reload, fire and reload, fire and reload. This went on and on, and as he did that, he tried to find new targets.” Kelley said that Holly appeared to have been “radicalized through an extremist network.” Additional reporting by the Denver Post indicates that Holly’s social media accounts appear to contain references to previous mass shootings and antisemitic content.
The gunman opened fire when some students were on their lunch period; many students fled and many locked down. Kelley credited the school’s response to the attack for preventing further injuries. “I can’t praise the staff and the students enough for doing what they learned to do [by locking down],” Kelley said. “They did the right thing. They locked down. And I’m not judging anyone who fled. But lots and lots of kids and teachers locked down in those rooms, did what they were supposed to do, and we know that it saved lives. They’re heroes, our teachers.”
“We’re very, very grateful that there were not more injuries, but saddened that there were any,” Kelley added.
On Thursday afternoon, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office identified one of the victims as 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone, with the following statement: “The family appreciates the community’s concern and support, but as we remain focused on our loved one’s recovery, we respectfully request privacy as we continue to heal and navigate the road ahead.” Also requesting privacy, the family of the second victim declined to share a photo or statement.
“Violence touched our Jeffco community when three Evergreen High School students were involved in a shooting—one as the assailant and two victims,” Jeffco Public Schools superintendent Tracy Dorland said in a statement released the night of the shooting. “I am devastated to share this news with you, and I am also angry. No child should ever face this kind of danger, and no community should be asked to absorb this kind of pain.
“As Jeffco Superintendent, I am heartbroken. And I am resolute. Jeffco Public Schools will continue to do everything in our power to ensure our schools are safe places where students can learn, grow, and thrive, free from fear. But we cannot do it alone. Safety requires vigilance, partnership, and the unflinching belief that our children deserve better.”
The Evergreen attack is the 47th school shooting to occur in the United States so far this year. It’s the 13th school shooting to occur in Colorado since two gunmen killed 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School in 1999.
Evergreen High School will not hold classes Thursday and Friday but is arranging in-person mental health support and resources for the community.
Additional Coverage of the Evergreen High School Shooting
- Denver Post: “‘Radicalized’ Evergreen High School shooter appeared to hold antisemitic, violent views in online accounts”
- Colorado Sun: “‘We will triumph over evil’: Evergreen vigil attended by a few thousand begins long road of healing for students, community”
- Colorado Sun: “Evergreen High School shooting suspect ‘seemed like a normal, everyday kid,’ classmate says”
- Denver Gazette: “‘Kids look to their parents’ — experts urge calm, routine after Evergreen shooting”
- Denver Post: “Suspect dead, 2 students injured in shooting at Evergreen High School”
- Colorado Public Radio: “Evergreen High School shooter dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound”
- 9News: “There have been 13 school shootings in Colorado since Columbine”
- Fox31: “Freshman recalls seeing shooter outside classroom door while hiding inside Evergreen High School”
- Denver Gazette: “Evergreen High School gunman dead after shooting 2 students and himself, authorities say”
- Colorado Sun: “Student dies after shooting himself, two others at Evergreen High School”
Donate to Matthew Silverstone’s GoFundMe campaign here.
