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Colorado Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Shooting at Stem School in Highlands Ranch Near Denver

5.7.2019

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement in response to reports of a shooting, apparently in the middle school area, of STEM School in Highlands Ranch, south of Denver. While details are still unfolding, authorities have reported at least eight people were injured.

“Less than a month ago, just before the 20-year mark of the shooting at Columbine High School, 19 school districts across Colorado were closed after a credible threat,” said Karin Asensio, volunteer chapter leader with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Today, our fears were realized again when we heard of the shooting at STEM School. We shouldn’t have to live like this: Our children shouldn’t be scared to go to school, and we as parents shouldn’t be scared to drop them off each day. We must do more to prevent gun violence in our schools and communities. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and all the families of the STEM School.”

“Once again, when students and educators should be focused on learning, gunfire erupted on campus,” said Jane Dougherty, a Coloradan whose sister, Mary Sherlach, was the school psychologist shot and killed at Sandy Hook School on December 14, 2012, and a member of the Everytown Survivor Network. “My heart goes out to all of the families of STEM School, as well as those injured and their loved ones. I know what they are going through and what will come in the days and months ahead. We must keep working to stop gun violence in our schools, in our communities, and in our country.”

Research by Everytown for Gun Safety shows that this is at least the 42nd instance of gunfire on or onto school grounds in 2019. Everytown tracks every time a firearm discharges a live round inside or into a school building or on or onto a school campus or grounds, as documented by the press. Incidents in which guns were brought into schools but not discharged are not included.