Colorado school shooter identified as being radicalized by an extremist network.
Authorities have identified Desmond Holly, a 16-year-old student, as the individual who allegedly shot and wounded two fellow students at Evergreen High School in Colorado before turning the gun on himself. The tragic incident unfolded on September 10, 2025, when Holly opened fire shortly after noon, leaving the community grappling with its aftermath.
According to officials from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Holly later succumbed to his injuries, raising further concerns regarding the motivations behind his actions. As reported, investigators are exploring the possibility that Holly had been influenced by an extremist network. However, the sheriff’s spokesperson, Jacki Kelley, emphasized that a definitive motive has not yet been established, stating, “Clearly we take that very seriously.”
The shooting resulted in significant chaos, with Holly firing a revolver multiple times across a wide area, which led to various crime scenes. Witnesses reported that many students fled the building, while others utilized lockdown protocols drilled into them during safety training, potentially averting greater harm. Authorities have conducted a thorough search of Holly’s home, and investigators are examining his social media and personal belongings for clues.
As of Thursday morning, one of the injured students remains in critical condition at CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, according to Dr. Brian Blackwood, the hospital’s trauma director. The second victim has been stabilized and is receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries at another facility, with plans for their families to publicly identify them later in the day. A fourth student, who sustained injuries while fleeing the school, sought treatment on their own at a local hospital.
The shooting incident occurred at 12:24 PM at Evergreen High School, which has an enrollment of approximately 900 students and is situated about 20 miles southeast of downtown Denver. In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement agencies responded swiftly, converging on the scene within minutes.
As investigations continue, officials are working to pinpoint the exact location where the shooting began and the series of events leading to it. Classes have been canceled at Evergreen High School for the remainder of the week, as school officials acknowledged the profound heartbreak reverberating through the community. Kelley confirmed that it may take a significant amount of time to address the physical damage within the school, which includes shattered windows and bullet-marked lockers.
This incident marks a somber chapter in a national conversation about school safety and gun violence, compelling communities to confront uncomfortable realities regarding youth and access to firearms.
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