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

FBI’s ‘clever’ Trump-Russia probe codename ignites suspicion something deeper was at play

Trump Responds to Reports About Dwindling U.S. Weapons Stockpiles, Promises ‘Long Term Jail Sentences’

Bernie Sanders Tells James Carville to Kick Rocks: ‘Start His Own Party’ If He Doesn’t Like Socialism

Tucker Carlson pitches 10-point vision for third-party movement

Luigi Mangione seeks polished look with bid to ditch jail clothes for hearing in CEO slaying case

WATCH: GOP split over Rand Paul’s DOJ strategy in Fauci contempt push

Miss North Carolina USA loses crown after organizer condemns ‘racism, homophobia, transphobia’

Watch: Trump Jumps Into Action to Corral Toddler Wandering Onstage

Watch: Mamdani Booed off Stage at Police Event – Moments Later Critic Tried to Confront Mayor, Collapsed in Cardiac Arrest

US pauses government operations in cartel-ridden Mexican state

Trump’s endorsement collides with $1.3M effort to oust House ally

Abdul el Sayed won the progressive fight. Now he must reunite Democrats to keep Michigan blue

EXCLUSIVE: Illegal immigrant’s hit-and-run on ‘kind’ elderly woman triggers ICE action: ‘Could hear screaming’

Rand Paul predicts Fauci contempt vote will pass, vows swift DOJ referral

Florida man allegedly attacked sister with machete while she was sleeping next to toddler daughter

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.