Heavy
Two adult faculty members were shot outside Denver East High School in Denver, Colorado, on the morning of March 22, 2023, according to Denver police.
“The offender has been identified as 17-year-old Austin Lyle who is described as a Black male, 5’5, 150 lbs, with Black hair and Brown eyes and was last seen wearing a green hoodie,” Denver police tweeted, with a photo of Lyle.
Police wrote that Lyle is “believed to be associated with a 2005 Red Volvo XC90 with a License BSCW10.” He is “currently wanted for the charge of attempted homicide.” They tweeted that a vehicle was found.
According to the Denver Post, the victims are “two adult faculty members.” Their conditions and names were not released. The suspect’s name, age, and motive also have not been released. The victims’ exact roles at the school were not explained.
The police chief, Ron Thomas, said in a news conference that two adult males suffered gunshot wounds. One of the two victims is in serious but stable condition and the other is in surgery listed in critical condition, according to Thomas. Gunshots rang out during a search due to a safety plan, according to the chief. The school superintendent confirmed in that news conference that the victims were staff members.
The Post reported that a school official said the shooting occurred outside the school, describing it as “near East Campus.”
Denver police wrote on Twitter, “ALERT: #DPD is responding to a shooting at East High School. Unknown number of victims at this time. Investigators are working to gather information, expect large police presence in the area. Updates will be posted to this thread as they are made available. #Denver.”
Police then responded by writing, “UPDATE: At this time, two adult victims have been located and transported to area hospitals. It is believed the suspect is no longer on scene, and investigators are working to develop additional info.”
UPDATE: At this time, two adult victims have been located and transported to area hospitals. It is believed the suspect is no longer on scene, and investigators are working to develop additional info. #Denver
Here’s what you need to know:
Denver East High School Went Into Lockdown, the School District Says
UPDATE: EAST HIGH SCHOOL LOCKDOWN
All students are in their third period classrooms. We are working on a release plan for the students.
More information to come.
Denver Public Schools wrote on Twitter that Denver East High School was in lockdown. “UPDATE: EAST HIGH SCHOOL LOCKDOWN,” the district wrote.
“All students are in their third period classrooms. We are working on a release plan for the students. More information to come.”
The district tweeted, “We will be doing a controlled release once DPD allows. Parents can pick up their children @ 17th & Esplanade. Students who drove will be escorted to their cars in the parking lot & can leave. Students who ride the bus will be held until their bus arrives.”
The ATF tweeted, “BREAKING: ATF is on scene of a reported shooting at East High School in Denver, Colorado. Please refer all media inquiries to the @DenverPolice.”
My brother is currently in lockdown for a school shooting in Denver. He is a full time substitute teach at east high school. I’m so mad.
A woman tweeted, “My brother is currently in lockdown for a school shooting in Denver. He is a full time substitute teach at east high school. I’m so mad.” She shared text messages saying he was locked in a classroom.
Denver Students Recently Protested Against Gun Violence
🚨 Crime tape surrounds Denver’s East High School. Reports of a shooting at the school. Two adult victims taken to the hospital and suspect not found.
According to Denver 7, Denver students recently protested against gun violence.
A 16-year-old student was killed “in a shooting near the school on February 13,” the television station reported, adding, “Students said that lockdown drills have become routine parts of the school day.”
After the February shooting, students “attended a Denver City Council meeting to demand action on gun violence and school safety,” Denver 7 reported.
The Denver Post also reported on students’ past safety concerns, writing that, “A weapon was found on campus the day after students returned to class.”
A photo showed crime scene tape at the high school on March 22, 2023.
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