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Aurora Today
By the People, for the People
Aurora police use of force during student walkout under review
Authorities investigating incident after protest at local high school
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The Aurora Police Department is reviewing an incident where officers used force against students during a walkout protest at a local high school. The protest was organized by students to bring attention to concerns over school safety and gun violence. Several students reported being shoved, grabbed, and detained by police during the demonstration.
Why it matters
The use of force by police against student protesters has raised concerns about civil liberties, the right to free speech and assembly, and the appropriate response by law enforcement to non-violent demonstrations, especially those involving minors.
The details
According to eyewitness accounts, the student walkout at Rangeview High School began peacefully, with around 200 students leaving class to march and chant slogans. However, the protest turned confrontational when police arrived and began physically engaging with the demonstrators. Several students said they were roughly handled by officers, with some reporting they were shoved, grabbed, and even briefly detained.
- The student walkout took place on February 10, 2026.
- The Aurora Police Department launched an internal review of the incident on February 11, 2026.
The players
Aurora Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Aurora, Colorado.
Rangeview High School
A public high school located in Aurora, Colorado where the student walkout protest took place.
What they’re saying
“The students were exercising their right to free speech and assembly, and the police response was heavy-handed and unwarranted.”
— Samantha Hernandez, Parent of Rangeview High School student (local news source)
“We are taking this matter very seriously and will conduct a thorough review to determine if the officers' actions were appropriate and in line with department policies.”
— Chief of Police Michael Hancock (local news source)
What’s next
The Aurora Police Department has stated that the internal review of the incident is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between student activists, law enforcement, and school administrators over the appropriate response to youth-led protests. The outcome of the police review will be closely watched as it could set precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future.
