Three Students Critically Injured in Evergreen High School Shooting

Evergreen, Colo. — A shooting at Evergreen High School on Wednesday afternoon left three students critically injured, shaking the foothills community west of Denver and prompting an urgent response from law enforcement, emergency medical teams, and local officials.

The Incident

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, gunfire erupted shortly before 12:30 p.m. inside and outside Evergreen High School. Initial reports on social media from law enforcement stated that “at least two students” had been shot and transported to the hospital.

As the situation developed, CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center in Lakewood, confirmed that three patients — all minors — were being treated in critical condition.

One of the injured students was later identified as the suspected shooter. Authorities clarified that they do not believe any officers fired their weapons during the incident, meaning all injuries resulted from the student’s actions.

Response and Evacuation

The sheriff’s office coordinated a rapid law enforcement presence, securing the school and establishing safety perimeters. Students and staff were evacuated from classrooms and escorted to a reunification site at a nearby elementary school, where parents anxiously gathered for updates.

Helicopters hovered over the campus, ambulances lined the parking lots, and tactical officers searched the grounds to ensure no further threat remained. By mid-afternoon, officials confirmed that the situation had been contained, though the school remained on lockdown while investigators combed the scene.

Victims and Medical Care

Hospital officials have not released the identities or ages of the injured students, citing privacy and ongoing medical treatment. All three remain in critical condition.

The suspect, a student at the school, is under medical care after sustaining what law enforcement described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigation Underway

Detectives with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation, supported by local and federal agencies. They are executing search warrants on the suspect’s residence, vehicle, and school locker in an effort to determine motive and uncover any warning signs.

Authorities are also interviewing students, staff, and witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. Early information suggests that the suspect acted alone, though officials said it will take time to reach definitive conclusions.

Community and Leadership Reactions

The shooting has left Evergreen, a town known for its small-town character and mountain setting, deeply shaken. Parents described a mix of panic and relief as they reunited with their children at the designated site.

Jefferson County Public Schools said in a statement that it is providing crisis counselors and mental health resources for students and families. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our students. We will continue to support this community in the days ahead,” the district said.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed condolences and pledged state resources for the investigation and recovery. “Our hearts are with the students, families, and educators impacted by today’s tragic events in Evergreen,” his office said.

Broader Context

This shooting is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have rattled schools across Colorado, a state with a history marked by high-profile tragedies at Columbine High School in 1999 and Arapahoe High School in 2013. Advocates and officials renewed calls for action on school safety, mental health support, and gun violence prevention.

Moving Forward

As Evergreen begins to process the shock of the day, community members have organized vigils, faith-based gatherings, and counseling services to provide support. Law enforcement stressed that the investigation remains active and that further updates will be shared as they become available.

For now, the small mountain community is left grappling with grief, uncertainty, and the urgent need to comfort its young people.