Two students walked into the STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado on Tuesday and opened fire killing one and injuring eight others.
According to the Associated Press, an 18-year-old and a juvenile – both students at the STEM School – walked into the kindergarten through 12thgrade science, technology, engineering and math charter school and engaged students in two separate classrooms.
According to CBN News, at first, seventh-grader Sophia Marks was not sure what was going on. She said, “At the moment no one really knew what was going on, so I didn't know they were bullets.” She continued, "I just kind of saw like flashes and we heard bangs."
Reportedly, authorities were immediately notified of the shooting and nearby deputies were able to respond quickly. After a struggle with the suspects, authorities were able to apprehend the two shooters.
In a news conference on Tuesday, Douglas County Undersheriff Holly Nicholson-Kluth noted that officers could still hear gunfire as they were arriving on the scene.
Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock added, “I have to believe that the quick response of the officers that got inside that school helped save lives.”
Authorities have released the name of the 18-year-old suspect and have confirmed that neither of the two shooters were previously known to them.
This comes following the 20thanniversary of the Columbine school massacre that left 13 people dead. Columbine and the STEM School are within 7 miles of each other just south of Denver.
“Tragically, this community and those surrounding it know all too well these hateful and horrible acts of violence,” White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement. According to the AP, President Trump was briefed on the situation and was in touch with state and local officials on Tuesday.
Authorities have not released information about how the suspects will be charged, but they believe that the two students who were apprehended are the only two people involved.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Tom Copper/String
