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

DNA Links Grizzly Bear Mom and Her Cubs to Fatal Mother-Daughter Mauling – All 4 Bears Hunted Down and Killed

Cape-Wearing Leftist Arrested at Texas University for Allegedly Striking 3 with Cane at TPUSA Event

Suspected DUI driver arrested on 3 murder counts after deadly North Hollywood crash, police say

Twice-deported United cockpit suspect granted asylum after transgender persecution claim: DHS

Illegal immigrant arrested after dragging, striking ICE officer in Chicago suburb: DHS

Jeffries leaves door open to investigating major Trump ally as Democrats prepare to take power

At least 10 new Dem members will carry Al Green’s mantle and try to impeach President Trump

House Freedom Caucus Member Unloads on Fellow Republicans After Midterm Debacle: ‘Nobody Listened to Us!’

Dems projected to score historic upset in deep-red Mississippi, topple Trump ally Hyde-Smith

Latest Ballot Drop Pushes Dem Challenger Over Combined Dan Sullivans’ Votes in AK Senate Race

GOP holdouts complicate Trump’s final chances to reshape US courts

Longtime GOP leader faces uncertain future after Jim Jordan wins House leadership fight

Stephen Miller’s internal memo unleashes Trump agencies after ‘absolute control’ under Wiles’ reign

Foreign spy ‘honeytraps’ targeting America’s tech elite spark alarm amid Nvidia CEO scandal

Russia’s Ambassador to the US Dies ‘Suddenly’ Per Country’s Foreign Ministry

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.