Students Walk Out of Colorado School Shooting Vigil, Saying Their Trauma Was Being Politicized

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – Gun rights advocates posted support on social media Thursday for students who walked out of a gun-control rally in anger and tears over concerns the event inappropriately politicized their grief.

The event Wednesday was primarily billed as a vigil to honor Kendrick Castillo, who was fatally shot in a rampage by two students at the STEM school here. Speakers at the school’s packed gymnasium, however, were mostly politicians and advocates pressing Congress for more restrictive gun laws.

After about 30 minutes, hundreds of students from the STEM School stormed out yelling “this is not for us,” “political stunt” and “we are people, not a statement.”

Outside, the traumatized shooting survivors thrust lighted cellphones into the air and chanted “mental health, mental health,” as their hands and voices shook in the cold rain. Angry students pushed and screamed at journalists, demanding to see photos they had taken.

Frustrated, crying and angry, #STEMschool shooting victims hold an impromptu vigil in the rain Wednesday after leaving a gun-control vigil they felt inappropriately politicized their trauma. (They asked that I not photograph their faces close up, and I respected their wishes.) pic.twitter.com/cksRXGtYQA

— Trevor Hughes (@TrevorHughes) May 9, 2019

NORAD F-16s intercept multiple aircraft violating temporary flight restrictions over New Jersey

Platner ally Troy Jackson locks down delegates as top rivals for Democratic Senate nomination drop out

Young airman killed in heavy equipment accident at California Space Force base

JD Vance and wife Usha welcome fourth child, reveal baby boy’s name

AOC accused of putting on new accent during Memphis rally: ‘Going full Kamala’

Tipster charged with murder after police say anonymous call helped solve 30-year disappearance

‘Let’s brew it in the United States’: Teamsters target Modelo and Corona in push for Mexican beer tariffs

Six dead as Kyiv hit by largest ballistic missile attack of war with interceptor stock low

Jarring Video: South African Reveals What’s Actually Believed About Whites, And It Is Horrific

Muhammad Is The Top Baby Name For Boys In England And Wales For Third Year In A Row

James Carville, Dem With Deteriorating Mental State, Says CNN Should Have Aired Presidential Speech to Show Trump’s Deteriorating Mental State

‘Keep a low profile’: State Department warns Americans overseas they could be targeted

Authorities Identify Source of Nationwide Cyclospora Outbreak: Salad Distributer Used By Taco Bell

Body Cam Catches The View’s Sunny Hostin Trying to Use Her Status to Talk Cops Out of Arresting Her Son

Johnson warns America is in ‘battle’ against Marxism, calls for renewed focus on nation’s founding principles

Interview requests made by a USA TODAY reporter were rebuffed; multiple students said they had agreed not to talk to journalists.

Many students appeared unaware the event was organized by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Jason Crow, both Democrats, both spoke at length about the need for federal action. The Brady Campaign invited reporters to cover the event.

The students drew plenty of support on social media.

“These politicians remind me of ambulance chasers,” posted a Utah woman. “Ready to pounce on the next big shooting with their gun control agenda.”

A Colorado woman posted: “Love this so much! I’m so proud of these students! After some rough political months here in Colorado this was a welcomed sight & hope for our future!”

In an apology issued afterward, the Brady Campaign said all efforts should be focused on supporting the STEM students, families and faculty members.

“We are deeply sorry any part of this vigil did not provide the support, caring and sense of community we sought to foster and facilitate and which we know is so crucial to communities who suffer the trauma of gun violence,” the statement said.

Some STEM students and family members held a private vigil earlier in the day. They said the public and journalists were kept out to permit anguished students and their parents a chance to grieve together away from the media spotlight into which they have unwillingly been thrust.