The tragic story of Desmond Holly Evergreen Colorado has shaken Jefferson County and the wider state. On September 10, 2025, Evergreen High School became the site of a devastating shooting when 16-year-old student Desmond Holly opened fire on classmates, critically injuring two before taking his own life. The incident has left the tight-knit community reeling and searching for answers.
The Incident at Evergreen High School
At approximately 12:30 p.m., chaos unfolded at Evergreen High School when Holly began shooting both inside the building and outside near Olive Street. According to investigators, he was armed with a revolver and carried multiple rounds of ammunition, allowing him to reload several times during the attack. Despite the potential for mass casualties, quick lockdown procedures, secure doors, and the response of staff and students helped prevent further harm.
Two students were wounded in the attack—one inside the school and another just outside. Both remain in critical condition at area hospitals. Families and classmates are anxiously awaiting updates on their recovery.
Who Was Involved
The shooter, Desmond Holly, was a sophomore at Evergreen High School. Reports confirm that Holly had struggled with troubling ideologies and had been influenced by extremist content online. Investigators are now piecing together his digital footprint, searching his devices, locker, and personal belongings to understand how he planned the attack.
One victim has been identified as 18-year-old senior Matthew Silverstone, while the family of the second victim has requested privacy. Both young men remain hospitalized, and their conditions are being closely monitored.
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Investigation Into Motive
Authorities have stated that Holly appeared to be radicalized by extremist networks, with online activity reflecting hateful content and glorification of past mass shootings. At this stage, law enforcement has not determined whether the shooting was random or targeted.
Officials confirmed Holly attempted to enter locked parts of the building but was unable to access them due to reinforced security. That barrier prevented him from reaching more potential victims. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate whether others may have influenced or encouraged him.
School and Community Response
Evergreen High School, along with eight other schools in the district, has been closed for the remainder of the week. Mental health counselors and crisis response teams are working with students, families, and staff to provide support during this traumatic time.
More than 100 law enforcement officers responded on the day of the shooting, securing multiple crime scenes inside and outside the school. Their swift action, combined with student lockdown drills, is being credited with reducing the scale of tragedy.
Community members have held vigils in honor of the victims, with local leaders emphasizing the need for compassion, unity, and vigilance. The shooting has renewed conversations around school security, mental health support, and the dangers of online radicalization.
Security Measures at the Time
A notable detail in the tragedy is that Evergreen High School’s full-time school resource officer was on medical leave at the time, and a part-time officer was not present on campus during the shooting. Despite that gap, security protocols such as locked classroom doors played a key role in limiting Holly’s movement within the school.
This has sparked discussion about ensuring consistent law enforcement presence in schools, as well as reinforcing preventative measures to detect warning signs earlier.
Key Takeaways
- Date of incident: September 10, 2025
- Location: Evergreen High School, Jefferson County, Colorado
- Shooter: 16-year-old student Desmond Holly
- Victims: Two students wounded, one identified as Matthew Silverstone
- Weapon: Revolver with multiple reloads
- Motive: Ongoing investigation; linked to extremist radicalization
- Status of victims: Both remain in critical condition
- School status: Closed through the week with counseling services available
Community Moving Forward
As Evergreen mourns, the focus now shifts to healing and prevention. Families, educators, and local leaders are calling for greater resources to combat online radicalization and expand school safety programs. For parents and students, the priority is regaining a sense of safety and normalcy in the wake of this violence.
The story of Desmond Holly Evergreen Colorado is a grim reminder of how extremist influences can affect vulnerable young people and the devastating consequences that follow. As the investigation unfolds, the Evergreen community is determined to stand together, support the victims, and ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.
If you live in the area or feel connected to this story, share your thoughts in the comments below—your voice matters in how communities heal and respond.