Hickenlooper, Entire Colorado Delegation Condemn Evergreen High School Shooting, Honor First Responders

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, alongside Representative Brittany Pettersen, led the entire Colorado congressional delegation to condemn the horrific shooting at Evergreen High School. The lawmakers introduced a bipartisan resolution that also honors the victims and thanks the first responders, law enforcement, educators, faculty, and neighbors who acted swiftly and courageously to protect students and staff, and save lives.

"The worst form of terror is one where children no longer feel safe in their schools and are too fearful to learn," said Hickenlooper. "This awful violence shouldn't be the status quo. It's on all of us to stop it and pass gun safety legislation that keeps our communities and our kids safe."

"Our children deserve to grow up in a country free from the trauma and terror of senseless gun violence," said Bennet. "My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Evergreen High School community during this difficult time. I am grateful for the Jefferson County law enforcement officers and first responders who arrived on the scene in mere minutes and undoubtedly saved lives. Thank you for your bravery and service."

"Our schools are supposed to be a safe place - one where we should be able to drop our kids off without worrying if we will see them again. Unfortunately, that is far from our reality in the US and what happened at Evergreen High School is every parent's worst nightmare," said Pettersen. "There is a lot to feel angry and disillusioned about right now, but visiting with the Evergreen community and hearing the stories of the heroes who saved countless lives, reminds me of how resilient our community is and gives me hope for our future. We heard stories about teachers who threw themselves in front of students, the first responders who showed up in under two minutes, and the neighbors who opened their doors to students who they hid in their basement - these are the people who reflect who we are as a community, state, and nation. I'm grateful to my colleagues for joining this resolution to condemn these violent attacks while also recognizing the people who exemplify the best of us."

"No one should be scared to go to school, yet there is a cycle of gun violence that plagues campuses across our country," said DeGette. "The shooting at Evergreen High School is another heartbreaking day in our nation's history where kids were confronted with losing their lives at school. I am thinking of the students who were shot and their families during this sad time, and I am grateful to the first responders, faculty, and teachers who worked to save lives and keep their students safe. Enough is enough-the time for Congressional action is overdue and I am ready to pass legislation that will keep our kids safe in school."

"It's critically important that we stand together against senseless acts of gun violence," said Neguse. "I'm proud to join the entirety of the Colorado delegation in condemning the terrible and tragic shooting at Evergreen High School. Our hearts are with the injured students and their families, as we continue to wish them a full and speedy recovery. And our deepest gratitude goes out to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, along with all law enforcement officers and first responders, for their swift and courageous response."

"As a father of two school-aged kids, I am horrified by the Evergreen High School shooting. Our schools should not be shooting ranges," said Crow. "This bipartisan resolution condemns this senseless violence and honors the first responders and community members who responded to this horrific attack. We can-and must-pass new gun violence prevention laws to better protect Colorado families."

"It's heartbreaking to see another evil act of violence impact our young children, who should always feel safe and secure at their schools," said Boebert. "Our country's leaders need to work together at every level to make sure schools of all sizes have School Resource Officers at all times and enact other school safety measures to protect our children. My heart is with the entire Evergreen community and I pray that God strengthens them as they move forward and ensure this never happens again."

"My heart is with the Evergreen community as they face the unimaginable," said Hurd. "No child should ever have to fear for their safety at school, and as a father of five, this tragedy is heartbreaking on the deepest level. I am profoundly grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders who saved children's lives. Colorado's strength and resilience will guide the community through the difficult days ahead."

"I am sickened by the tragedy that has taken place at Evergreen High School," said Crank. "No child should ever have to experience what these students have endured, and no parents should fear having their child in school. I fully condemn this evil act and pray that God gives them comfort during this time."

"As the father of two young boys, I can't imagine the grief of Evergreen High School families as the community heals from senseless violence and extremism," said Evans. "The past week has been marked by too much heartbreak, and I am praying for the future of our state, schools, families, and children. Lastly, thank you to our brave local law enforcement who ran toward gunshots and consistently put their lives on the line for our safety."

Since the Columbine tragedy in 1999, more than 390,000 students in the U.S. have experienced gun violence at school.

Hickenlooper has long advocated for common-sense solutions to address gun violence in the United States. Hickenlooper supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded red flag laws, closed the boyfriend loophole, expanded background checks for young gun purchasers, and made historic investments in community-based mental health and violence prevention programs. Hickenlooper is also a co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban, the Background Check Expansion Act, the Equal Access to Justice of Gun Violence Act, and Ethan's Law. As Governor, Hickenlooper enacted universal background checks and a ban on high-capacity magazines after the 2012 Aurora theater shooting in Colorado.

The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

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