In Evergreen, Colorado, a 16-year-old student, identified as Desmond Holly, opened fire at Evergreen High School on Wednesday, leaving two classmates wounded before taking his own life, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities believe Holly was influenced by an extremist network, which may have radicalized him, officials announced during a Thursday press conference.
The shooting erupted at approximately 12:24 p.m. local time, as reported by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Three students, including Holly, who sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The sheriff’s office confirmed Holly’s death in a social media post on Wednesday evening. An image of the suspect was released to the public during Thursday’s press conference.
Investigators revealed that Holly used a revolver handgun, which was discharged multiple times, with bullets striking windows and lockers throughout the school. Authorities noted that Holly moved through the building searching for additional targets but was thwarted by locked doors, preventing further casualties, according to the sheriff’s department.
While the motive remains under investigation, officials suspect Holly was radicalized by an extremist network and acted with a specific purpose. The sheriff’s office is examining his phone, home, and locker to uncover details about his communications and influences prior to the attack.
FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement on Thursday, announcing the deployment of an evidence response team and specialized resources to assist in the investigation. “Our thoughts remain with the two victims injured in the shooting and all those affected by this horrific attack,” Patel shared in a post on X.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office clarified on Thursday that all three injured students remain hospitalized, correcting earlier reports suggesting one had been discharged. Initially, authorities mentioned a fourth student transported to the hospital with an unspecified injury, but they now believe only three students were harmed.
The family of 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone, one of the victims, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating they are focused on his recovery. They requested privacy as they navigate the healing process.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis shared his devastation in a Wednesday statement, saying, “My heart goes out to the victims and their families as they grapple with this senseless act of violence.”
Following the shooting, Evergreen High School was placed on lockdown, and law enforcement conducted a thorough sweep of the campus. “This is the scariest thing you’d think could ever happen,” said Jefferson County Sheriff spokesperson Jacki Kelley during a Wednesday press conference.
Investigators have contacted Holly’s family and are exploring the origins of the revolver used in the attack. Authorities have not yet determined whether the shooting was targeted or random.
The FBI and NCIS are assisting in processing multiple crime scenes, both inside the school and on a nearby street where the incident extended, according to the sheriff’s office. Hundreds of police officers searched every room on campus following the attack.
The sheriff’s department credited lockdown drills with saving lives, noting that students and staff followed training protocols by securing themselves in classrooms. “Students and staff were amazing. They did their job and did it well. Lives were saved yesterday,” Kelley stated on Thursday.
Evergreen High School is located in Jefferson County, the same area where the Columbine High School shooting occurred in 1999.