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

Karoline Leavitt Unleashes on ‘Reckless’ and ‘Completely False’ ABC News Report

UFC Legend Breaks His Silence After Getting Out of Prison for Defending His Young Child

Illegal immigrant accused of assaulting NJ teen could be released under sanctuary policies, ICE warns

Long Island teen who vanished after trip to NYC found dead in Brooklyn waters

Who is Ayman Mohamad Ghazali? Lebanese-born American accused in Jewish synagogue attack

BREAKING: Trump Says New Ayatollah Still Alive ‘In Some Form’

Sen Schmitt reups push for expanding denaturalization after recent acts of violence by naturalized citizens

Doctor denies knowing about rampant LA-area Medicare fraud using his provider number

Mamdani touts landmark court victory against repeat offender landlord in housing enforcement push

California mountain biker dies after month-long hospital stay following rattlesnake bite

Soros-backed DA sparks backlash after blaming Old Dominion shooting on pro-gun lawmakers: ‘F— right off’

Illegal alien’s violent tussle with federal officer leads to multiple charges after suspected Biden-era entry

Trump admin’s push to end controversial policy extended by Biden sparks backlash ahead of crucial deadline

US Military Plane Lost Amid ‘Operation Epic Fury’: US Central Command

Report: Veteran CBS Reporter Quit After Network Refused to Obsess Over Jan. 6 Anniversary

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.