FBI: Woman dead following threats to Denver schools
UPDATE: The FBI has reported that Sol Pais is dead after a nearly 24-hour manhunt. The FBI says there is no longer a threat to the community.
Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader said 18-year-old Sol Pais was discovered by the FBI with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Pais was found at the base of Mt. Evans, a popular recreation area west of Denver. Authorities were led to Pais’ location after receiving a tip from a driver who took her there.
Authorities report that Pais was “infatuated” with the Columbine shooting.
Pais, who is from Florida, traveled to Colorado Monday and bought a pump-action shotgun and ammunition.
Authorities say Pais raised suspicions after making unspecified comments to people at home in Florida and buying three one-way tickets to Denver. She used the earliest one she bought to fly to Denver Monday.
The FBI says people in Florida contacted the police, who in return notified the FBI on Tuesday.
Surfside, Florida Police Chief Julio Yero says the family of Sol Pais contributed tremendously to the investigation and “provided valuable information that led us to Colorado and a lot of things that assisted in preventing maybe more loss of life.”
Yero also asked the media to give her family “privacy and a little time to grieve.”
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FBI Denver tweeted just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday saying they are investigating activity around the base of Mt. Evans. The tweet used the hashtag #FindSol.
Authorities searched for 18-year-old Sol Pais, who is accused of traveling to Colorado from Florida and making credible threats against Denver-area schools ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Columbine shooting.
Authorities report that Pais was “infatuated” with the Columbine shooting. Pais’ classmates have described her as quiet and intelligent.
Pais flew to Colorado from Florida Monday and purchased a pump-action shotgun and ammunition.
FBI Denver reported that Pais is armed and “extremely dangerous.” Authorities searched Mt. Evans Wednesday morning, a popular recreation area about 60 miles southwest of Denver.
More than a thousand schools around the Denver metro area canceled classes Wednesday because of the concerns.
In a statement, Colorado Springs District 11 says it will be on heightened alert Wednesday, with extra security on campuses. At this time the investigation is active and ongoing. KRDO is gathering more information and will work to bring you the latest.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
