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

Nebraska K9 sniffs out 525 pounds of cocaine during routine traffic stop, leading to California man’s arrest

EXCLUSIVE: Veterans turn war stories into music at Trump Kennedy Center in powerful patriotic showcase

Trump Debuts Brutal Cartoon Nickname for James Talarico to Kick Off Texas Senate General Election

Peak Woke: Rape Can’t Be Committed by Blacks, Muslims, or Women, According to Neo-Marxist Insanity

Conservatives erupt after DNC lashes out at top White House official with vulgar personal attack

US military carries out new strikes against Iranian military base as negotiations continue

Your Christian Family Is Being Hunted Like Animals and Exterminated in Nigeria – Will You Ignore It?

Trump says Delaney Hall protesters are ‘paid’ as clashes escalate outside NJ ICE facility

Talarico makes stunning claim about why he thinks Texas elections aren’t ‘free and fair’

Watch: Fox Host Responds with Open Disgust as Anti-ICE Antagonist Attacks a Reporter for Daring to Video Their Behavior

Seattle socialist mayor mocked for ‘irony’ as residents build walls to stop out of control shootings

Chaotic border chase ends with illegal immigrants found crammed in semitruck sleeping area

Video shows illegal aliens found crammed inside semi-truck sleeper cab in alleged smuggling bust

DOJ sues UCLA over alleged ‘Judenrein’ conditions during anti-Israel encampment

EXCLUSIVE: DHS blasts sanctuary leaders after illegal immigrant accused of bat attack freed from jail

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.