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
Mamdani expected to face legal trouble over PETA-backed horse carriage ban
Slotkin’s viral ‘threat’ to conservatives takes new twist as student moves to hold her accountable: ‘Shocking’
Breaking: High-Ranking Virginia Dem Arrested on Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering Charges
Alleged sham marriage ‘mastermind’ caught on video saying sanctuary state is ‘best place’ for illegals
ICE Calls Out Virginia County for Protecting Illegal Alien Child Predators
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: French Jews forced into hiding as rioters terrorize streets
Man arrested for threatening another female lawmaker in Australia
Why Banks Are Suddenly Competing to Pause Your 21% Interest Into 2028
Report: Minnesota Dem Senate Nominee Spent Taxpayer Money to Teach Junkies How to Shove Drugs Up Their Posteriors
Rep Keith Self targeted in alleged assassination plot by Texas teen: report
House Dem leader’s attack on voter ID comes back to haunt him after election fraud bust in his home state
Report: Foreign National Accused of Running Over Teen and Leaving Him to Die Was Given Visa by Biden Admin
The Senate GOP’s midterm lifeline lies in an unlikely place
Abortion, ICE and socialism spark fireworks in swing state governor debate: 5 top moments
Kansas Senate rivals distance themselves from party leaders in fiery debate
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.
Mamdani expected to face legal trouble over PETA-backed horse carriage ban
Slotkin’s viral ‘threat’ to conservatives takes new twist as student moves to hold her accountable: ‘Shocking’
Breaking: High-Ranking Virginia Dem Arrested on Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering Charges
Alleged sham marriage ‘mastermind’ caught on video saying sanctuary state is ‘best place’ for illegals
ICE Calls Out Virginia County for Protecting Illegal Alien Child Predators
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: French Jews forced into hiding as rioters terrorize streets
Man arrested for threatening another female lawmaker in Australia
Why Banks Are Suddenly Competing to Pause Your 21% Interest Into 2028
Report: Minnesota Dem Senate Nominee Spent Taxpayer Money to Teach Junkies How to Shove Drugs Up Their Posteriors
Rep Keith Self targeted in alleged assassination plot by Texas teen: report
House Dem leader’s attack on voter ID comes back to haunt him after election fraud bust in his home state
Report: Foreign National Accused of Running Over Teen and Leaving Him to Die Was Given Visa by Biden Admin
The Senate GOP’s midterm lifeline lies in an unlikely place
Abortion, ICE and socialism spark fireworks in swing state governor debate: 5 top moments
Kansas Senate rivals distance themselves from party leaders in fiery debate
Kudos to these kids for refusing to be a weaponized talking point while mourning this terrible event. The adults in the figurative room should be ashamed of themselves.
— SandyAndreas (@SandyAndreas5) May 9, 2019
Castillo, 18, was killed and eight students were wounded Tuesday when two teens opened fire in classrooms at the K-12 school specializing in science and math. Castillo, three days away from completing high school, and two classmates charged one of the shooters at his school. The avid hunter and fisherman was killed.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed “red flag” legislation last month providing judges with the power to temporarily remove firearms from people believed to be at high risk of harming themselves or others.
Story cited here.
