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

Kamala Harris Lashes Out After Another Illegal is Killed While Allegedly Trying to Run Over ICE Agents

Dem Activist Harry Sisson Proves How Violent Leftists Are, Predicts Charlie Kirk Statue in NYC Won’t Last 10 Minutes

Montana Dem running as blue-collar smokejumper spent years lobbying for far-left groups

Trump derailed his intel chief pick’s confirmation. Now he gets another shot.

‘I Just Wanted to Go Home to Jesus’ – Kathie Lee Gifford Opens Up About Health Challenges

Todd Blanche hearing to test GOP support as Senate weighs Trump’s DOJ pick

The federal agency you’ve never heard of ripping up and replacing Chinese investments around the world

Trump-backed Republicans aren’t courting endorsements of outgoing senators

Illegal immigrant sentenced after fiery California semitruck crash killed 3

ICE officer hailed as hero after saving driver injured in Missouri crash

Bank robbery suspect allegedly steals kitten, asks employee to hold it before demanding cash

Multiple rescued from pontoon boat near Alcatraz as search continues for missing persons

Biden special counsel’s ‘runaway train’ scooped up sensitive lawmaker info: ‘Abuse of power’

Congressman sounds the alarm on China: ‘We’re sleepwalking through this competition’

Shock Video: Machete Fight Breaks Out in Middle of England Intersection, Man Recording Says This Insanity Happens ‘Day In and Day Out’

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.