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

House Dem slammed for ‘sick’ defense of colleague caught texting Epstein during 2019 hearing

DHS launching massive immigration operation in Louisiana, Mississippi: ‘Swamp Sweep’

Illegal immigrant accused of grabbing ICE officer’s taser while shouting ‘Allahu akbar’ during arrest

Trump fetes Saudi crown prince with pseudo-state dinner attended by Cristiano Ronaldo

Thune fields Senate GOP backlash over ‘Arctic Frost’ surveillance provision

Federal prosecutors charge suspect who allegedly vandalized US Attorney Alina Habba’s office

Letitia James and Lisa Cook lawyer pushes back on mortgage fraud allegations

Trump calls for federal AI standards, end to state ‘patchwork’ regulations ‘threatening’ economic growth

Mother and Son Hospitalized After Being Viciously Attacked by a Mob of Elementary School Students

Six Democrats urge military members to ‘refuse illegal orders’ in viral video; Hegseth responds

The Weaponry of Words: What Israel vs. Hamas Taught Us About the Fight for Truth

Trump Seeks to Take ‘Fat, Rich Insurance Companies’ Out of the Equation as He Lays Out ‘the Only’ Healthcare Plan He Will ‘Approve’

House Democrats in Turmoil as Allegations of Lying and ‘Election Subversion’ Fly: Report

Trump Gives McDonald’s Owners Advice on How to Improve His Favorite Menu Item

Lone Member of Congress to Vote Against Epstein Files Release Says it Was a ‘Principled’ Decision

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.