Shooting Incident at Evergreen High School
Authorities have publicly named one of the two young victims injured in the shooting at Evergreen High School on Wednesday.
Matthew Silverstone, an 18-year-old, was shot and critically injured during the incident, which involved 16-year-old Desmond Holly. After firing shots at the school, Holly later attempted to shoot himself but was hospitalized instead. This information was shared in a Facebook post on Thursday evening.
Silverstone’s family has requested privacy as he continues to recover in the hospital.
In a statement released by police, the family expressed gratitude for community support while emphasizing their need for space to heal and cope with the situation.
Police also shared a picture showing Silverstone smiling in a top hat and bow tie.
As of Thursday morning, both he and another unnamed victim remain hospitalized. One is reported to be in critical condition, while the other is facing life-threatening injuries. Details about Silverstone’s specific condition haven’t been disclosed.
It’s still unclear whether the students were specifically targeted or if this was a random act.
Holly had boarded a bus to the school, located about thirty miles west of Denver, where he brandished a revolver around lunchtime, firing multiple shots, according to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jackie Kelly.
One shot was reportedly fired from outside the school, affecting one student indoors while another was injured outside. The exact location of Silverstone at the time remains unknown.
The reasons behind the shooting are still a mystery. Kelly stated that Holly had been influenced by a group of extremists but did not elaborate further.
While referring to the incident, she mentioned, “The suspect had brought a significant amount of ammunition and kept reloading.” She expressed relief that the situation did not lead to more injuries.
Holly also attempted to gain access to a secure area, but students and faculty effectively employed safety protocols to ensure their protection.
Damage to the school included broken windows and lockers caused by gunfire.
Evergreen High School is part of the Jefferson County Public Schools district, which includes connected history to the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999.
