The 16-year-old student who opened fire at Evergreen High School in Colorado, injuring two students before ending his own life, was radicalized by an extremist group, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Desmond Holly was the shooter, according to police, but a motivation remains unconfirmed.

Authorities Confirm Shooter’s Background

According to officials, the shooting began just after 12:30 PM Wednesday and occurred both out in the community and inside the school, located about 30 miles west of Denver. The sheriff’s office confirmed Holly was using a revolver although they have not confirmed just how he procured it. At this point one victim has been released from St. Anthony Hospital and another remains in critical condition. Their names have not been released.

“We’re still looking into what prominence Holly had in online accounts, his footprint, but we haven’t confirmed a motive,” said sheriffs department spokesperson Jacki Kelley. “We’re looking at what radicalized Holly in an online community over the last six months.”

Shooting Awakened Parallels to Columbine Tragedy

Jefferson County is no stranger to school shootings. It was the site of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, which killed 13 and injured more than 20. Earlier this year, survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter, who was paralyzed as a result of the Columbine shooting, died from complications related to her injuries. Hochhalter’s death was ruled a homicide, raising the Columbine death toll to 14.

Community Voices Thriving Support While Investigation Continues

Evergreen High School serves more than 900 students and is located in a rural area that rarely sees this level of violence. In a statement, Jefferson County Commissioners said, “We are heartbroken at the news of yet another shooting in our community. We need to lean on each other.”

On Friday, the investigation is still underway, and school officials and law enforcement are working to reassure families and develop plans for safety. The tragedy is stirring discussions about youth radicalization, access to firearms, and school safety throughout the country.

The Violence Project and Sandy Hook Promise are two resources available for groups wanting information on youth extremism or responding to a school crisis.