Evergreen school shooter was ‘radicalized by some extremist network,’ sheriff’s office says

EVERGREEN, Colo. (KRDO) -- Jefferson County officials held a press conference with updates on the shooting at Evergreen High School late Thursday morning.

A day prior, law enforcement officials said a student unleashed fire on the school, ultimately injuring two classmates. Those classmates are still in the hospital as of publication, the sheriff's office said. The shooter ultimately died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Multiple law enforcement sources identified the suspect as 16-year-old Desmond Holly, our partners at 9News report. During a press conference, a sheriff's office spokesperson said he was "radicalized by some extremist network."

The sheriff's office also said they believed he had used a revolver, which he was constantly loading as he walked around the property.

While initial reports indicated that one of the injured students was released from the hospital, the sheriff's office reiterated that both victims are still recovering there.

The sheriff's office also said that the families of the two injured indicated they will release photos and statements on Thursday.

A school resource officer was not at the school when the shooting happened, as the sheriff's office said they were dispatched to a nearby accident. However, law enforcement officials said that lives were saved because of the actions of teachers and students who immediately went into lockdown.

"They're heroes, our teachers," said Jacki Kelley, a spokesperson with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. "Evergreen is a smaller community... Man, they're going to take care of their kids."