Superintendent Reykdal addresses recent shootings impacting Colorado and Utah educational communities

A shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado left at least three students injured, including the suspected shooter, according to local police. The incident occurred as schools across the country are beginning a new academic year.

In a separate event in Utah, a young political activist was killed after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. These incidents have raised concerns about gun violence in schools and public spaces.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal of Washington released a statement addressing the recent shootings. "Today, when students, families, and educators across the nation are settling into a new school year, a school community in Colorado is facing every parent and educator’s worst nightmare. As of the latest update from local police, at least three students, including the suspected shooter, were injured in a shooting at Evergreen High School," Reykdal said.

Reykdal also commented on the incident in Utah: "The next state over, in Utah, a young political activist was killed after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. Nobody wants this. Every single one of us want our kids to go to school without the fear of gun violence. We want to be able to go to events, and to work, without the fear of gun violence."

He expressed sympathy for those affected by both incidents: "My heart is with the individuals, families, and communities that are impacted by today’s violence. It’s with those in Colorado who were injured and are now in critical condition. It’s with the young activist's wife and children who now must navigate their grief. It’s with the high school and college students who witnessed something horrific, and their loved ones who worried about their safety. And my heart is with all of the first responders who step in to provide protection, investigate, unify families, keep the public informed, and ultimately obtain justice."

Reykdal pointed out that since 2020 gun violence has become the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States—a trend not seen among peer nations.

"Our young people deserve better," he said.