Colorado school shooter, 16, radicalised by extremist network, say police

Police have identified the teenage gunman who opened fire at a Colorado high school, leaving two students fighting for their lives.

A teenage shooter who wounded two fellow students when he opened fire at a Colorado high school was only 16 years old — and “radicalised by an extremist network,” US authorities said.

Desmond Holly was identified as the teen gunman who caused havoc at Evergreen High School, about 50 kilometres west of Denver, before he turned the gun on himself and later died at the hospital, police said.

Desmond Holly, 16, opened fore at a Colorado school, seriously injuring two students, before turning the gun on himself. Picture: Supplied

Students reunite with loved ones and classmates outside Bergen Meadow Elementary School after a shooting at nearby Evergreen High School. Picture: AP

Holly used a revolver to start shooting outside the high school, though some of the shots appeared to reach inside the building, the local sheriff’s office said.

“He was radicalised by some extremist network,” a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said during a press conference, according to the New York Times.

Further details about the extremist network were not divulged by authorities.

The two injured students remain in critical condition, the Times reported.

A police officer responds to a shooting at Evergreen High School. Picture: AFP

He opened fire using a revolver outside of the school, though some of the shots apparently made it inside the building as well, the sheriff spokesman said.

Authorities noted that the shooter looked as if he “wasn’t even old enough to drive.”

At least three students, including the suspected shooter, were injured in the attack. Picture: AFP

Ms Kelley noted that she “doesn’t believe law enforcement fired any rounds”.

She said authorities were seeking a warrant to search the shooter’s home and locker.

This story was originally published on the New York Post.

Originally published as Colorado school shooter, 16, radicalised by extremist network, say police