Bennet, Hickenlooper, Pettersen Recognize Victims of Evergreen High School Shooting Following First Anniversary

Sep 16, 2026 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led Senator John Hickenlooper to introduce a congressional resolution recognizing the first anniversary of the tragic Evergreen High School shooting. This resolution honors the two wounded victims; expresses gratitude to law enforcement, faculty, educators, first responders, and neighbors who worked to keep students safe during this shooting; and recognizes the trauma this community now carries. Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) led a companion resolution in the House.

"One year ago, the Evergreen community experienced an unthinkable act of gun violence," said Bennet. "The fear and trauma that Evergreen High School students, families, educators, and first responders experienced that day have not disappeared. We owe it to them - and all of Colorado - to act and to build a future where no child has to experience this kind of violence at school. I am glad to lead the Colorado Congressional Delegation in this resolution, and will continue to fight against senseless acts of gun violence."

"Students, teachers, and families should never have to go through what Evergreen High School and the entire community went through one year ago," said Hickenlooper. "We need to come together and work to end gun violence in our communities."

"Today, we honor the students, staff, first responders, families, and entire Evergreen community for their extraordinary resilience in the face of the tragedy after the Evergreen High School shooting one year ago. Their strength, courage, and resilience continue to inspire all of us but also reminds us of the urgent need for change," said Pettersen. "Our country's gun violence epidemic has shattered countless lives and is now the leading cause of death for our kids - a reality none of us should accept. As a mom, I understand the fear so many parents live with when they drop their kids off at school. Today, we stand with the Evergreen community and promise to keep fighting in Congress to ensure our kids are safe at school and in our communities. They deserve so much better."

On September 16, 2025, Senator Bennet led a resolution condemning this tragic act of violence recognizing the victims, survivors, and responders, and expressing condolences and support to their families and their communities. On September 30, 2025, the resolution was agreed to in the Senate. In April 2026, Bennet introduced a congressional resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Columbine Day of Service and remembering the victims of the Columbine High School shooting twenty-seven years ago. In April 2025, Bennet introduced the Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act and the bipartisan Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act. The bills protect communities from gun violence, while safeguarding Americans' constitutional right to own a firearm for legitimate self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes. In June 2022, Bennet helped pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first comprehensive gun safety reform package in nearly thirty years.

The text of the resolution is available HERE.

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