On Wednesday September 10th, a school shooting occurred in Denver, Colorado around 12:30 Mountain Time. Both victims shot were students at Evergreen but only one has been identified, 18 year old Matthew Silverstone. One was shot inside the building while the other student was shot outside of the school, leaving one student in critical condition at the CommonSpirit St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood and the other in ¨stable¨ condition that Wednesday night though was transferred to a different hospital.
¨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,¨ – The Silverstone Family mentioned during a statement.
16 year old Desmond Holly was identified as the suspect. He waited until lunch to start opening fire on other students with a revolver, wandering the halls of Evergreen reloading and shooting, over and over, breaking windows and shooting out lockers. Jacki Kelley, who is a Spokeswoman for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said ¨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, and he came up against a roadblock on many of those doors. He couldn’t get to those kids.¨
“The reason we have so many crime scene areas inside is because we have windows shot out. We have lockers that were shot up, we’re finding spent rounds, unspent rounds, so it’s a huge area and the school, I was told, is three levels, so lots of work to be done,” Kelley stated.
¨I feel like students in general are becoming used to school shootings but it still has an impact even though we sadly hear of them happening often, the death or injury of students and teachers at any age is never not going to leave a mark or message about our government.¨ – Brianna Teren
The mother of Holly stated ¨I have to believe when you bring a gun to school and you continue to fire and reload and fire and reload that you are on a mission,¨ She had also learned that Holly was radicalized by an extremist group. She didn’t go on to explain but stated that the motive was still unclear. There were other pieces of information but they have not been released.
Students remain in fear. One student from Evergreen on the social media app TikTok posted a video that’s been going viral, the caption inside the video quotes itself stating ¨it would never happen to our school¨ The fear of guns inside a school is carried within every student and impacts lives each time. Junior, Piper Barnette here from Liberty says ¨I have personally had close encounters with school shootings, but in general with school shootings we shouldn’t have to have procedures and be scared to go to a place where we should be learning. It’s not fair for even elementary kids to put up with that fear.¨ Every grade level can and has been affected by gun violence on campus.
¨While their community is going through intense grief, there’s also a big amount of fear because they have gone through trauma in a place that is meant to be a safe space for them. When the students have gone home, they have met with evil in a place they go to everyday. That would scare them in their home and everyday life too. Even though most people are outside of their community, we should feel a lot of empathy for the fear they’re never going to be able to get over.¨ – Willow Brennan
At the moment it’s unclear when classes will be back in the building. Though to every student at Evergreen High School, your Journalist from Liberty High School in Las Vegas wishes you all the best and is sending all of their prayers. Gun violence has been going on for years on end and school shootings have recently been going up more since the 2020 pandemic. For the 2021 school year it was reported that 145 school shootings happen and all together over 1000 schools since 2000 just in America. As of September 10th, 2025, there have been 47 school shootings reported for just this year alone.
¨I think that with the amount of gun violence in America, it is such a sick and twisted reality that children have to go to school in fear. Gun violence has been a recurring issue in America for decades, and sadly in my generation even. Nobody should have to go to school scared or worried about shootings or guns.¨ – Cc Punzal
A message to Evergreen Highschool Students from Liberty Highschool Students.
¨I wish each and every person affected by this Violence the best. You are all so strong and students everywhere are standing with you.¨ – Kiki Mumolo
¨Please don’t be scared to reach out to people, therapists, friends, everyone is here for you and will support you.¨ – Willow Brennan
¨I hope the families, students, and staff of Evergreen all the best and pray that they are all okay after the tragedy.¨ – Brianna Terran
¨You are strong kids that have dealt with a hard situation. You have survived and you shouldn’t have to go through that. This should show that you are a fighter and have helped others. We are all so proud of yall!¨ – Piper Barnette
¨To the victims and their families involved in such a tragedy, I pray for health, safety and well being for all of them. God bless all of them.¨ – Cc Punzal
¨I’m so sorry you had to experience this, but I’m glad you are safe and you’re able to go home. This never should have happened and I’m so sorry it did. It’s not right. People love you and we are so proud of you guys for staying calm when it was hard.¨ – Sofie Sternburg
“I pray that everyone affected by this tragedy only the best. You guys are so brave and strong. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.” – Ellie Prosser
“I pray for every person that has been affected by this, I wish every person that has been affected by this the best and I pray that they can stay strong and for God to give them strength.” – Kavali Parker
“You’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out. I’m sorry you guys had to go through such trauma.” – Chloe Acosta
“Cherish those close to you during this trying time. Support and comfort each other as these people will help you through the healing process and to support you through the fear of returning to school after a traumatic event.” – Carly Thomas and Mia Lin Okazaki
“I pray for everyone that has lost a family member, or a friend. God will pour his spirit into you, and he will comfort you. When going through a tragedy, remember that you’re not alone. The most high got you. Remember that.” – Christian J. Morris
“I send my condolences to each and every one of those who were affected by this tragedy, and I pray for absolute comfort over what may seem like an inescapable time of despair and sorrow. May the Lord give you peace of mind and may he send his spirit over you.” – Ahri L. Bailey
“I will be keeping each and everyone of you in my thoughts and prayers. I know that won’t change what happened to you all, but I hope it can bring you a small sense of comfort. Stay strong, you all deserve the world.” – Zelah Mata
“No child deserves to go through such a horror in their respective place of learning. You are so much more than your trauma and I hope you can continue to have a passion for education. You are strong and amazing in your own way.” – Lennon Askew
“I would like to say that I’m sending so much compassion for the friends and family of those who were injured and those who lost their lives.” – Destiny Shockley
“I wish every soul affected by the tragedy the best, I pray everyone recovers okay from such a horrible event and goes on to live their life to the fullest it can possibly be. And just remember if you are struggling with something just know violence is never the answer and only hurts u and other people more. Please get the proper care you deserve and need. We love everyone.” – Joey Tropeano
“I’m so sorry this happened to you. No one should ever have to go through something like this. Please remember you are strong, you are resilient, and you are not alone. Students everywhere are standing with you.” – Lael Dichi
“I hope for the best of all the families, staff, and students at Evergreen High School. We are with you and we hear you.” – Colbie Walker
“To the victims, families and loved ones affected by this horrific act of violence at EverGreen, your story and your names won’t be forgotten. You have dealt with a situation no person should have to go through and your strength and courage is visible. I ask that strength and hope is restored and given to everyone affected by the tragedy.” – Nicole Cetta
“Rest in peace to the kid who had the brightest futures ahead of them. I feel absolutely terrible for all of the families who have to suffer with the fact that they won’t be able to see their kid grow up and succeed in their life. The kids who survived are now scarred for life. Gun violence shouldn’t be a constant fear in our everyday lives, especially in our education system. School should be about building your future life, while having the best time in your present life.” – Lila Drazba
“During these emotionally vulnerable times, it’s important to hold our community near and dear to us. I’m sending my love to each and every one of the victims, their families, and students who are facing this traumatic whiplash. I can only imagine what they all are going through mentally. The legislative, judicial, and executive branch has continued to fail the American people by turning a blind eye to the many instances, including this one, of mass shootings within schools of all places. School should be a place to learn and grow community, not further separate us. But of course, none of them care because it doesn’t affect them. Gun laws should have been regulated nearly 30 years ago and this is somehow still a debate. Unfortunately, if we want any peace in this country it comes at the cost of someone else’s ignorance.” – Aliyah Chandra-Lazar
“Not everyone’s stories are meant to end. You are strong and needed, never let anything stop you. You only live once and life is such a precious gift so easily stolen, live it to the fullest. Don’t let this bring you down, but show you that we take small things for granted, send that text. Ask them out. do it all.” – Mia Hafen
“To the survivors you are truly so strong for being able to work your way back into the school system after what has happened. As for those hurt and loss I’m sorry for you, I’m sorry your life was taken before it could fully even bring it. You have the hearts of all.” – Lola Schenck
“There are no words to describe the tragedy you have experienced. You are stronger than you will ever know and you have the ability to overcome any obstacle you have experienced. I believe that every student, faculty member, and their families will recover and learn to heal from this event. Love will always conquer all hate.” – Nomi Reabold-Miller
“That’s upsetting but yeah to everyone that had to face a violent and upsetting situation may God bless everyone who has been affected to where everyone has the faith in situations and times that are hard.” – Lyric Domingo
“I hope they are safe and everyone is healthy and nothing but love and happiness comes their way.” – Lexi Gehrke
“My thoughts and prayers are all with you as you all begin on the journey of healing.” – Catherine Luciano
“I’m sending prayers to all the families and people involved in the shooting. My condolences to the family in which they lost their child and friends.” – Lilianna Amago
“To everyone affected- what you’ve been through is unfair and unimaginable. Please know you are not alone and all of your feelings are valid. The road ahead may be hard but you never have to walk it alone. always lean on each other, you are so loved!” – Aubrey Kasden
“My condolences go out to those who were involved in this shooting. Everyone has different feelings about it and it’s okay. God bless everyone and those families who experienced this tragedy.” – Aubree Perez
“Im sending my prayers to all the families that were affected by this shooting. No one should ever go through this i pray the families of ones who lost their loved ones.” – Anaya McNeil
“My heart breaks for the victims and their families and it is earth shattering that we as Americans have to watch while there is no change happening for all of us to feel safe. I can wish nothing but closure during such difficult times. Your voices matter and we hear you. Sending you all my love from Vegas.” – Veronica Guzman
“I’m sorry for your family and your friends that died. My heart breaks for yall and for what yall are going through” – Makaila Leypoldt
“God bless everyone who has been negatively affected by this tragedy. You are stronger than your situation. May the Lord cover all families that have been impacted, and bless you all. Also remember that you are strong and loved. Continue to fight and live every day with your head high and your heart full.” – Chayil Willette