DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Police Department said two boys were injured in a shooting near Colfax Avenue and taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon.

The shooting happened in the 2400 block of East Colfax Avenue and police closed Colfax between York and Columbine streets for about an hour and a half.

Police said they do not know the extent of the boys’ injuries.

Denver East High School is near the shooting scene and was placed on secure status. Principal Terita Walker sent the following notice to the school community about the shooting.

Denver East Students, Parents, and Community,

We would like to make you aware an incident took place off campus at the Carla Madison Rec Center this afternoon after school had been released. DPS Safety and Security placed our campus on a secure status and it remained safe during the duration of the incident.

Although this event occurred after school was released, if your student shares with you any need for additional support, please contact Lindsey Vesceri at Lindsey_Vesceri@dpsk12.net or contact the front office and they will connect you with support.

We implemented a controlled release as we worked to reunify students. Please know that we always take these matters very seriously, and that nothing is a higher priority than the safety and security of our students and educators. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow into a safe environment

Terita Walker, principal, Denver East High School

Editor’s note: Denver police originally reported three victims and since corrected to two.