Evergreen High School Shooting Leaves Two Students Injured, Suspect Deceased
A 16-year-old student opened fire at Evergreen High School, injuring two classmates before taking his own life. Authorities are investigating the incident and providing support to the affected community.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, a shooting occurred at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, resulting in injuries to two students and the death of the suspected shooter. The incident began around 12:30 p.m. when 16-year-old student Desmond Holly opened fire with a revolver both inside and outside the school premises. He shot two students before turning the gun on himself; Holly later died from his self-inflicted injuries.
The two injured students were transported to CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood. As of Thursday morning, one victim remains in critical condition, while the other has stabilized with non-life-threatening injuries. The family of one victim, 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone, expressed gratitude for the community's support and requested privacy during his recovery.
During the attack, Holly fired multiple rounds, reloading several times as he moved through the school. Many students fled the campus, seeking shelter in nearby homes, while others followed lockdown procedures, barricading themselves in classrooms. Jefferson County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley commended the swift actions of the school's staff and students, stating,
"Lots of kids ran, but the ones who didn't were locked down and they were being cared for. So really, really proud of those people."
Authorities are investigating how Holly obtained the firearm and are examining his phone, locker, and family home for further information. Preliminary findings suggest that Holly had been radicalized by an unspecified extremist network, though details about the group's identity have not been disclosed.
In response to the tragedy, Evergreen High School will remain closed for the rest of the week. The Jefferson County School District is providing mental health resources to students, staff, and families affected by the incident. Governor Jared Polis emphasized the importance of school safety, stating,
"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."
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack and prevent future incidents.