Boulder Shooting Leaves 10 Dead, Suspect Caught

Yesterday, the Boulder shooting tragedy happened. Today, the mission to find meaning to the senseless and tragic event begins. A rogue gunman killed 10 people, including a police officer, Monday afternoon at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado.

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Details of Boulder Shooting Still Hazy 

The shooter’s motive remains unknown at this time. However, Boulder Police Department reported that they already have the suspect in custody. In addition, the unnamed suspect received injuries during the eventual confrontation with local police. A live television feed earlier showed officers leading a man away from the scene. In particular, it showed a shirtless, bloodied, and handcuffed man. Afterward, police took the suspect to an area hospital for treatment for his injuries.

At a press conference last night, Boulder Police Commander Kerry Yamaguchi said witnesses reported that the suspect suddenly opened fire inside a Kings Sooper supermarket. Consequently, customers and employees panicked as gunfire and screaming rang throughout the vicinity. Initial reports placed the suspect’s weapon as an AR-style rifle. In a separate account, a law enforcement source recounted the events. Officers responded to a call of a parking lot shooting. When they arrived, they saw a suspect with a “long gun,”  who promptly opened fire. 

Officer Eric Talley, 51

Among the casualties was Officer Eric Talley, 51, an 11-year  veteran of the Boulder Police Department. Talley was the first officer to arrive at the scene. During the tragedy, the suspect fired on Talley, who died from his wounds. 

The Boulder shooting made Talley the sixth Boulder officer killed in the line of duty. He was a father to seven children between 20 and 7. Prior to the shooting, Talley started training as a drone operator. He said he thought operating a drone is less dangerous than going on patrol duty. Also, Talley previously gained fame in 2013, when he rescued a family of ducks from a drainage ditch. 

Heroic Actions

Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said Officer Talley called Talley’s actions heroic. “Our hearts … go out to the victims of this horrific incident,” he said. He praised Talley for this heroism in responding to the call to prevent more victims. “Officer Talley responded to the scene, was first on the scene, and he was fatally shot,” Herold said. The police department shared a photo of Talley on Twitter Monday night. “Rest In Peace Officer Eric Talley.” They said that they will forever remember the officer's service to his countrymen. In addition, the officers added a hashtag #BoulderShooting at the end of their message. 

Elsewhere, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement Monday night on the tragedy. “Today, ten lives were tragically lost, including Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley. And tonight, the families of these victims, our fellow Coloradans, my neighbors, are hearing the devastating news that their loved one who simply woke up and went to work this morning, or who ran out to pick up eggs, won't be coming home,” he said. In addition, Polis noted that this year's events surrounded them with loss of life, illness, and isolation. “Today we saw the face of evil. I am grieving with my community and all Coloradans,” Polis added. 

Boulder Will Secure Justice 

Meanwhile, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty promised swift action to bring the suspect to answer for his misdeeds. “Boulder has suffered a terrible and horrific mass shooting today … this is not the first mass shooting that we have had in the state of Colorado,” he said. “I promise the victims and the people of the state of Colorado we will secure justice,” he added.

“My heart goes out to Eric Talley's family, his loved ones, and his colleagues. His life was cut far too short. I also want to stress how incredibly sorry I am for all the victims killed today at King Soopers. These were people going about their day, shopping, and their lives were cut abruptly and tragically short by the shooter who is now in custody. I promise the victims and the people of Colorado that we will secure justice,” Dougherty added. 

Federal Investigation Ongoing

Meanwhile, Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are assisting with the investigation, Acting U.S. Attorney for Colorado Matthew Kirsch said. US Attorney General Merrick Garland also received a briefing on the situation. 

Breaking News Alerts sends its sympathies to the victims of this terrible tragedy. As the investigation remains ongoing, we encourage anyone with information about the incident to call the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-3333.

Watch the CNBC News video coverage of the Boulder shootings. Reporters describe what it was like inside the supermarket in Colorado shooting:

How do you usually react to news like this? Do you empathize with the victims, or suddenly worry about your own family? Share with us your experience by leaving your comments below.