Gun Control Group Behind Vigil For School Shooting Victims Apologizes After Students Walk Out In Protest

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (AP) -- The Brady gun control group that organized a vigil for victims and survivors of the deadly shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch has issued a statement apologizing for the event -- which was criticized as politicizing the tragedy.

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO - MAY 08: Students and community members hold up their phones during a candlelight vigil at Highlands Ranch High School on May 8, 2019 in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. One student was killed and eight others were injured during a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch on Tuesday. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

Wednesday night's vigil in a packed high school gym included speeches by presidential hopeful Sen. Michael Bennet and U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, both Democrats.

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO - MAY 08: Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) speaks during a candlelight vigil at Highlands Ranch High School on May 8, 2019 in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. One student was killed and eight others were injured during a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch on Tuesday. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

Some students chanted and others railed against the media and called for remembering Kendrick Castillo, the student killed while trying to stop one of the shooters on Tuesday.

Kendrick Castillo (credit: Charles Burroughs)

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At one point, someone shouted that students should be allowed to speak and some walked out in protest. Organizers talked with students in a hallway about how to include them. Students were eventually allowed to speak.

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO - MAY 08: Students hold up their phones after leaving a candlelight vigil at Highlands Ranch High School on May 8, 2019 in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. One student was killed and eight others were injured during a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch on Tuesday. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

The statement says the group is "is deeply sorry any part of this vigil did not provide the support, caring and sense of community we sought to foster and facilitate."

It adds that the group knows this "is so crucial to communities who suffer the trauma of gun violence."

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO - MAY 08: A woman wipes away tears during a candlelight vigil at Highlands Ranch High School on May 8, 2019 in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. One student was killed and eight others were injured during a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch on Tuesday. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

'Lump In My Chest Was Growing': Kendrick Castillo's Parents Mourn For Their Son

Castillo's parents say they are still trying to process the fact that their son is gone.

"I know that because of what he did others are alive and I thank God for that. I love him and he is a hero and he always will be," John Castillo said.

Eight other students were injured in the shooting. An 18-year-old male student and a juvenile female student who identifies as male are in custody.

HOW TO HELP: Highlands Ranch School Shooting

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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