The heroic actions of a group of students helped save lives when a gunman entered their classroom at STEM School Highlands Ranch in a Denver suburb on Tuesday (May 7). One of the students, 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo, was shot and killed by his fellow classmate, but the others were able to disarm the shooter and put an end to his rampage.
One of those brave students was identified as Brendan Bialy, a senior who is part of the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program. He plans to begin training this summer after he graduates.
"Brendan's courage and commitment to swiftly ending this tragic incident at the risk of his own safety is admirable and inspiring," the 8th District Marines said in a statement.
Nui Giasolli, who was in the classroom when the shooter burst through the door, described the harrowing scene and her classmates' brave actions to the Today show. She said that the gunman came into class late and paced around the room before closing the door and pulling out a gun.
"That's when Kendrick lunged at him, and he shot Kendrick giving all of us enough time to get underneath our desks, to get ourselves safe, and to run across the room to escape."
Nui said that three other students rushed toward the shooter and "were brave enough to bring him down so that all of us could escape and all of us could be reunited with our families."
Police arrested two people involved in the shooting, 18-year-old Devon Erickson and a juvenile female who has not been identified.