Colorado school shooter radicalized by 'extremist network,' law enforcement officials reveal
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A 16-year-old Colorado high school student, accused of shooting two classmates before taking his own life, had shown an interest in past mass shootings like Columbine and shared neo-Nazi views online, according to reports.

The FBI was tipped off about Desmond Holly’s online activity in July, the agency confirmed to Fox News Digital, although his identity was not known at the time.

“We continued to work this assessment investigation to identify the name and location of the user up and until September 10, 2025,” an FBI statement said. “During the assessment investigation, the identity of the account user remained unknown, and thus there was no probable cause for arrest or additional law enforcement action at the federal level.” 

The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Center on Extremism said it looked into Holly’s online activity. 

Evergreen High School crime scene tape

Crime scene tape blows in the wind as rain begins to fall outside Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, on Sept. 11, 2025.  (RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post)

“Holly’s TikTok accounts were filled with white supremacist symbolism,” the ADL said. The name of his most recent account included a reference to a popular White supremacist slogan. The account was unavailable Friday. TikTok told the AP the accounts associated with Holly had been banned.

On Sunday, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., told CBS’ “Face the Nation” that the internet was “driving extremism in our country” following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Evergreen High School shooting

Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel respond to a shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.  (Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post)

“Young people can readily access extremist content and visual depictions of graphic violence that are celebrated by users of the platform, potentially desensitizing them to such content and increasing the risk of ideologically-motivated violence,” the ADL said. 

St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado, did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital inquiry about the condition of the two victims who were last said to be undergoing treatment there. It is not yet clear if Holly targeted the victims or if they were shot at random, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley said during a news conference.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on Thursday that the Denver field office was continuing to coordinate with partner agencies to investigate the shooting. The agency did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital inquiry. 

Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Insider claims Meghan Markle 'has sold almost one million jars of jam'

Meghan Markle Reportedly Nears Milestone with Nearly One Million Jars of Jam Sold

Meghan Markle has skillfully harnessed her celebrity status to achieve impressive sales…
Trump's top female diplomat dumps husband for Lebanese banking tycoon

Trump’s Key Diplomat Makes Headlines with High-Profile Split and New Romance with Lebanese Billionaire

In an exclusive scoop, the Daily Mail reveals that one of Donald…
Russia sends navy ships to guard sanctioned oil tanker

Russia Deploys Navy Fleet to Shield Sanctioned Oil Tanker: Strategic Move Amid Global Tensions

In a bold move, Russia has mobilized its naval forces to safeguard…
Fight breaks out in line for Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, police say

Chaos Unleashed: Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Ride Sparks Wild Brawl

A man sustained injuries during an altercation at Disneyland last week, while…
Pete Hegseth's review of female combat troops spurs furious backlash

Pete Hegseth’s Evaluation of Women in Combat Roles Sparks Intense Controversy

The Pentagon is embarking on a critical examination into the impact of…
South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung says he asked China's Xi Jinping to act as mediator on North Korea issues

South Korea Seeks Xi Jinping’s Mediation on North Korea: Lee Jae Myung’s Bold Diplomatic Move

On Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung revealed that he has…
Warner Bros rejects Paramount takeover again and tells shareholders to stick with Netflix bid

Warner Bros Turns Down Paramount Offer, Urges Shareholders to Consider Netflix Deal

NEW YORK — Warner Bros. has once again turned down a takeover…
Dash camera footage showed the suspect

Dramatic Rescue: Missing Florida Child Safely Recovered Following High-Speed Chase and Intense Traffic Stop

A registered sex offender was apprehended, and a missing child was safely…