This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. It was last updated at 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 1.
A 19-year-old CU Boulder student was killed and another is in critical condition after a shooting at a house party on University Hill late Saturday night, according to Boulder police.
The shooting happened around 11:30 p.m. at a home in the 700 block of Marine Street, where hundreds of people had gathered earlier in the evening. Police said a group attempted to force its way into the home shortly before shots were fired inside, striking the two students.
Police are searching for those responsible and asking for the public’s help identifying people captured on video. Investigators have identified two people of interest they want to interview, but have not said whether either is suspected of firing the shots.
Both victims were 19-year-old men and CU Boulder students. Authorities have not released their names. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will identify the student who died after notifying his family.
The killing is Boulder’s first homicide of 2026, Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said at a Sunday morning news conference.
“This is an incredibly tragic and upsetting incident,” Redfearn said. “We do not regularly have gun violence here in Boulder, and we know how shocking and devastating this is for everyone involved.
“Everyone in our community, especially our young adults, should feel safe to gather without fear of gun violence,” he added.
Police shut down party before shooting
Police had responded to the home more than an hour before the shooting following a noise complaint about a party with a live band, according to police.
The party had been registered through a program run jointly by CU Boulder and the Boulder Police Department. Dispatchers contacted the organizers at 9:56 p.m. to warn them about the complaint, and officers arrived shortly after 10 p.m.
Officers issued a nuisance party ticket and took one highly intoxicated person into protective custody. The party then began to break up, with hundreds leaving the area. A smaller group, including people living at the home, remained.
At 11:28 p.m., police began receiving calls reporting a shooting at the same address.
Officers arrived within two minutes and found two men with gunshot wounds, according to polic. Police applied a tourniquet to one of the victims before both were transported to Boulder Community Hospital around 11:40 p.m.
One later died. The other remained in critical condition Sunday morning.
Police have not said what prompted the confrontation or whether the people who attempted to enter the home had attended the party earlier.
Police seek help identifying people in video
Investigators interviewed about 20 witnesses overnight and are reviewing video footage and other evidence.
Redfearn said detectives are particularly interested in speaking with two people believed to have been present when a group attempted to force its way into the home. Police showed photographs and video of people they want to identify during Sunday’s news conference. (See video below.)
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty urged anyone who recognizes the people in the footage to come forward.
“If you’re one of the people who’s depicted in the photo and the video, I would encourage you to reach out to the Boulder Police Department and come in to talk to them voluntarily,” Dougherty said.
Police are also seeking photos or videos from anyone who attended the party or witnessed events leading up to the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call Boulder police dispatch at 303-441-3333. Callers may remain anonymous.
Police increase presence on University Hill
CU Boulder Police Chief Ashley Griffin called the shooting a tragedy for the university community.
CU police established a perimeter on the west side of campus after the shooting and helped Boulder police interview witnesses, many of whom were students.
University officials said they were not aware of any formal university affiliation with the party, including whether it was connected to a fraternity.
The party registration program allows students to notify police about planned gatherings and receive a warning if a noise complaint is filed. Officials said the organizers complied with instructions to shut down Saturday night’s party.
CU Boulder has activated support services for affected students. Students can contact the Office of Victim Assistance at 303-492-8855.
Boulder police and CU police said they will increase patrols around University Hill in the coming days as investigators continue searching for those responsible.
Dougherty said the investigation has already made progress, but authorities still need the public’s help.
He pointed to the trauma experienced by those inside the home, including students who tried to save their friends after the shooting.
“Think about the people who were in the house when the shooting happened, and tried to save the life of their friend, and help their other friend who had been shot,” Dougherty said. “And think about the calls to their parents, and think about the ripple effect that this is going to have throughout our community.”
Police said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.