DENVER — A 16-year-old student, Desmond Holly, has been identified as the shooter in a recent attack at Evergreen High School, located in a suburb of Denver. Holly opened fire on Wednesday, injuring two students before turning the gun on himself. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.

The shooting occurred during a chaotic scene at the school, which has an enrollment of about 900 students. Witnesses reported that some students fled while others locked down in classrooms. One victim was shot inside the school, while the other was shot outside. Both victims are currently in critical condition.

Jefferson County sheriff’s office spokesperson Jacki Kelley stated that Holly had been “radicalized by some extremist network.” However, details regarding the nature of this network and how Holly was influenced remain unclear. Investigators are examining his home, phone, and personal belongings for further information.

Kelley noted that the school resource officer was on medical leave at the time of the incident, and two part-time officers who share the role were not present. The officer assigned to the school had been dispatched to a nearby accident just before the shooting began.

The shooting lasted several minutes, during which Holly fired and reloaded multiple times. Kelley described the scene, saying, “He would fire and reload, fire and reload. This went on and on.” Fortunately, secured doors prevented him from accessing areas where students were sheltering.

In the aftermath, investigators are also looking into whether Holly’s parents could face charges for allowing him access to the firearm used in the attack. Kelley confirmed that authorities are in contact with the suspect’s family.

Ines McCanna, a parent of one of the students, recounted the fear she felt when her son was in the cafeteria during the shooting. “Those couple of seconds where you don’t know what’s going on are probably the worst you could have as a mom,” she said.

The response from law enforcement was swift, with officers locating Holly within five minutes of their arrival. None of the responding officers discharged their weapons during the incident.

John McDonald, a former safety director for the Jefferson County school district, emphasized the importance of the protocols developed since the Columbine shooting in 1999. He stated that these measures, including panic buttons and partnerships with law enforcement, are crucial for effective responses to such emergencies.

As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. A command post has been established outside the school, and flowers have been laid at the site in honor of the victims. The school remains closed as authorities conduct their investigation.