On Wednesday, Fox News correspondent Alicia Acuña was reporting from outside East High School in Denver, Colorado, where a 17-year-old student had opened fire, seriously injuring two administrators. In the midst of Acuña’s live coverage, her son came running into view and hugged her.
Acuña was visibly shaken as she embraced her son, telling him, “I just need to finish this real quick, OK? You good?” She apologized to her colleagues and then continued reporting, explaining that her son and her sister’s daughter were the ones who had informed her of the situation.
Speaking to the camera, she said, “I’m so sorry. There’s no way you would have let your kid walk by.”
“He’s OK — he’s good,” she continued to say becoming emotional while glancing over at her son. “He’s the one who was telling me what was happening and my sister telling me what her daughter was telling her.”
She added, “This is a real weird thing, toddling between reporting and being a parent here.”
Bryan Llenas, a national correspondent for Fox News, praised Acuña for her “remarkable job” in covering a difficult and terrifying situation, one which involved her own son.
The shooter turned the gun on himself and his body was later found near his vehicle. One of the victims, Jerald Mason, was released from the hospital Wednesday evening, while the other, Eric Sinclair, remained in serious condition.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for Acuña and her family. On social media, viewers have expressed their admiration for her composure and professionalism in the face of such a traumatic event. Many of them have also sent their thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
Colleague and friend Alicia Acuña @aacuna1 did a remarkable job reporting live from a shooting at her children’s high school in Denver today. Here she is hugging her son. So glad they are safe. Love you Alicia. pic.twitter.com/YUk2nktqD9
— Bryan Llenas (@BryanLlenas) March 22, 2023
