Boulder, Colorado Tragedy: Compassion, Empathy, Resolve

Unfortunately, the American flags flying at half-staff throughout the nation to honor the victims of our most recent mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, are a stark reminder of our culture of violence.

It is a disturbing commentary on American life, when flags at half-staff seem to be the norm, rather than the exception. 

America must never give up, and now, once again, we must enflame compassion in our hearts.

Our nation must reverently pause and reflect on lives gone too soon.

Each person who perished in Boulder deserves America's eternal remembrance, and we must resolve to end the scourge of violence in our nation. 

Boulder Victims: A Spotlight

Here’s something we know about each victim at this moment from the Denver Post:

Denny Stong, 20

Denny Stong was a King Soopers worker, a model plane aficionado and into dirt bikes and Civil War reenactments.

Neven Stanisic, 23

Neven Stanisic’s family fled Bosnia, though he was born in the U.S. Family friends at his church say he was “a very good, shy, hardworking boy.”

Rikki Olds, 25

Rikki Olds worked as a front-end manager at King Soopers. Her Facebook identifies her as a Lafayette resident who attended Centaurus High School and Front Range Community College.

Tralona Bartkowiak, 49

Known to friends as Lonna, Tralona Bartkowiak co-owned a Boulder clothing shop, Umba Love, and was effervescent, friendly and loved music.

Teri Leiker, 51

The University of Colorado marching band director and former band member said Teri Leiker “was kind of a personal cheerleader for the band.” Leiker worked at King Soopers.

Eric Talley, 51

Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, who was killed while responding to the King Soopers shooting, was the father of seven who took his job “very seriously.” Talley was interested in using drones for policing and liked woodworking. 

Suzanne Fountain, 59

A well-known community theater actress, Suzanne Fountain also helped enroll thousands of people in Medicare and was “simply a very genuine person with tons of integrity.”

Kevin Mahoney, 61

To his daughter, Kevin Mahoney was her hero and “all things Love.” Mahoney had worked in hotel asset management and investments. 

Lynn Murray, 62

Described by her daughter as “the biggest light in everybody’s life,” Lynn Murray was working as an Instacart shopper recently. But before she retired, she was a photo director for Glamour, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan magazines.

Jody Waters, 65

Possessing of style and a friendly demeanor, Jody Waters worked in and/or owned boutiques along Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall for years. 

Final Reflections

America must do everything in its power to prevent our flag from flying at half-staff to be the norm rather than the exception, due to violent rampages.

Violence is preventable and we can safeguard our nation with sound security measures, training, and assessments, complemented by the principles of leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.

But, the foundation of solving our problem must be that we compassionately listen to their cries, of all the victims and their families.

Then America's active shooter crisis will find its solution rather than continual political controversy, division, and impasse. 

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America with 275 published works.  Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the New York Yankees.  He served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy families of victims. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries. 

For more information see www.vincentbove.com or twitter@vincentjbove