Class continues in Colorado Springs despite Sol Pais threats

Despite hundreds of schools closing in the Denver Metropolitan area Wednesday, Colorado Springs schools remained open.

District administrators at D11 and D20 tell KRDO they’ve been in contact with each other, local PD and the FBI all throughout the search for 18-year old Sol Pais.

Authorities report Pais was infatuated with the Columbine shooting and traveled all the way from Florida with the intent carrying out an attack. After a nearly 24-hour manhunt, Pais was found dead at the base of Mt. Evans with self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Via social media, District 11 informed parents they would be increasing security at the school because of the manhunt.

While D20 sent emails to parents informing them of the situation.

“If things got bigger of concern grew we knew exactly what we were going to do next,” said Allison Cortez, a spokesperson for District 20.

Students at Palmer High school say they’ve noticed new security measures throughout the past few months.

“They close all the doors and put alarms inside the doors and limit who can go in and out of the school,” said Senior Bryanna Decker “With the high security we have at our school, I don’t think we have much to worry about.”

Palmer High School has just two entrances, and students are required to badge in at either one to get back into the building.

Despite all the security, it couldn’t stop the rumors from spreading throughout the hallways.

“I’ve heard a lot of talk about Sol Pais actually,” said Palmer High School Senior Rayna White. “It’s little nerve-racking at first but knowing we have more security helps.”

“I heard about it during my first period this morning,” said Ryan Vaughan, who is also a Senior at Palmer.

“It’s just how crazy it was for somebody to fly from another state just to come to the school that was most known for school shootings,” Vaughan said.

With the 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting just days away, District 20’s Cortez says its an event that will always be on their minds.

“As that day approaches we have to be extra vigilant and communicating more,” said Cortez. “Staying on top of things and just keep that at the forefront.”

“I didn’t believe (Columbine shooting) was real,” said Palmer High School Sophomore Jake Puett. “It’s hard to believe people are capable of that.”