EVERGREEN, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) – Colorado authorities released more details in their investigation into Wednesday’s high school shooting.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the two students who were injured during the shooting are still in the hospital in critical condition as of late Thursday morning.
Officials released a statement from the family of one of the victims, identified as 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone. The family expressed appreciation for the support they’ve received while requesting privacy as they focus on his recovery.
The other victim had not been publicly identified.
On Wednesday, emergency responders were called to Evergreen High School after reports of an “active assailant” in the area.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspected shooter as 16-year-old Desmond Holly. Authorities said he shot himself at the school and later died.
Authorities said that the crime scene spilled out into the street behind the school, where one of the students was shot, with the other being shot in the school.
Deputies said through their investigation, they learned Holly was radicalized “through an extremist network.” They said they have not yet confirmed if the shooting was targeted.
JCSO said that Holly used a handgun to carry out the attack, but the ownership of the gun has also not yet been confirmed.
The sheriff’s office is in contact with the suspect’s parents and has obtained a warrant to search his locker and phone.
Deputies also said the school’s full-time school resource officer was on medical leave at the time of the shooting.
People with cars parked in the west parking lot and the recreational center were allowed to retrieve their cars on Thursday.
Jefferson County authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.