The Bully Pulpit

Evergreen High School Shooting: Evil, Not Guns, Is the Real Crisis

Police car on the street at night
Written by Scott James

Three critically injured in Evergreen High School shooting. Beyond politics, this is evil on the move. Thoughts and prayers matter.

At least three students were critically injured in a shooting outside Evergreen High School on Wednesday afternoon. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victims, all minors, were transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital, where officials said each is in critical condition. Investigators believe the shooter, also a student, used a handgun. By 2:50 p.m., authorities said one of the hospitalized victims was the suspected shooter, and the school was cleared.

Hundreds of parents rushed to Bergen Meadow Elementary for reunification as more than 100 officers swarmed the area. Governor Polis issued a statement saying students should be safe “without fear across our state and nation” and that “we are all praying for the victims and the entire community.” It is the fifth Colorado school shooting since Columbine.

The Bullet Point Brief

  • Three critically hurt. All victims are minors, one believed to be the shooter himself.
  • Parents terrified. Hundreds lined up at Bergen Meadow Elementary to retrieve their children as the scene was cleared.
  • Massive response. Over 100 officers from multiple agencies converged on the school. FBI also assisted.
  • Governor’s statement. Polis offered prayers, but his record on actual safety policy is another story.
  • Colorado’s curse continues. Evergreen joins a grim list: Columbine, Platte Canyon, Deer Creek, Arapahoe, STEM.

My Bottom Line

I wish I knew what to say. Really, I do. I wish I had the perfect words that would comfort parents, heal wounded bodies, and somehow erase the terror of another Colorado school shooting. I don’t. But I’ll still extend thoughts and prayers – mock me if you must – because my thoughts are with this community, and my prayers are lifted to the Creator of the Universe, Who I know hears and heals.

This is not a gun problem. Guns have been part of American life for centuries without kids executing each other in school courtyards. This is a heart problem, a mental health crisis at best – and at worst, something far darker. We are living in Romans 1 times. The devil is on the move. This isn’t just sickness. This is evil, pure and simple.

Fellow Christians: rebuke the evil. Surround God’s people in prayer. Stop pretending politics alone will fix what is fundamentally a spiritual crisis. Yes, we need better mental health services. Yes, we need adults willing to hold kids accountable. But above all, we need to recognize that this isn’t normal, it isn’t random, and it isn’t going away until we confront the evil head-on. These are end times.

The usual politicos will rush to their corners – one side shouting “ban guns,” the other side shouting “arm teachers.” I’ll take my stand too: this is spiritual rot, manifesting as violence. Thoughts and prayers aren’t a punchline – they are the first weapon in the arsenal against evil.

About the author

Scott James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.