Like you, I am numb, saddened, and angry. We have endured too much trauma here in Colorado caused by gun violence. Ten more families are now mourning the painful loss of loved ones, including the family of Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, a father of seven children who sacrificed his life to save others.  

As we mourn and comfort those experiencing this terrible loss, we should do so together. Like many in the Boulder community, I have visited that King Soopers shopping center often. It could have been any of us, no matter the shopping center, town, or county.  

As we learn what enabled this tragedy, let us rededicate our efforts to prevent future ones. That will require long-overdue leadership in Washington--instituting common-sense gun violence prevention measures--as well as continued action, vigilance, and enforcement here in Colorado.

For those experiencing pain or anxiety, there is no need to go through this alone. Here are resources that can help:

• For guidance on talking with your children about this attack, you can take a look at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
• For anonymous reporting of tips about kids who may harm themselves or others, please reach out to Safe2Tell: 1-877-542-7233; you can also submit tips online.
• For those struggling with their mental health:
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
  • Colorado Crisis Text Line: text START to 741-741
  • Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK

Together, we will persevere, support one another, and work to prevent gun violence.