'Our Hearts Ache': Coloradans Rally Behind Shooting Victims

BOULDER, CO — A photo posted online shows a happy bride, arm-in-arm with her proud father on her wedding day. Both are beaming, and he looks like he's holding back tears of joy.

That father, Kevin Mahoney, was killed in a grocery store shooting Monday in Boulder that left nine others dead, including a police officer, authorities said.

Mahoney's daughter, Erika, posted a message on Twitter about her father, who she called her hero.

"My dad represents all things Love. I'm so thankful he could walk me down the aisle last summer," the post read. "I love you forever Dad. You are always with me."

Boulder is their hometown — a picturesque city in the foothills of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Boulderites are known for their love of the environment, their commitment to social justice and their obsession with outdoor activities.

Within several hours of posting her tweet, Erika Mahoney received more than 8,000 comments from people who sent their condolences and offered support. At a time when social distancing is still required in Colorado, the online world offers the only way many can reach out.

Many people are also making donations to the Colorado Healing Fund to support victims and their families. The Community Foundation Boulder County has also announced a fund to support those impacted by the shooting.

Law enforcement agencies, organizations, political leaders, celebrities, sports teams and many other groups have also issued their condolences to victims and their families.

"Our hearts ache for those who lost their lives, for their families, for the survivors who were left behind, for the survivors who were able to get out who have scars that can't be seen," Gov. Jared Polis said in a news conference Tuesday morning. "This is real horror and terror for all of us."

Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 21, is accused of opening fire Monday afternoon at the King Soopers store, at 3600 Table Mesa Drive.

Witnesses described hearing many gunshots, and trying to hide in closets, bathrooms, and anywhere they could run. Some customers and employees were able to escape out of loading docks.

Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley was the first officer to arrive at the store, and he was shot to death, officials said.

Talley had been with the Boulder Police Department since 2010, said Maris Herold, the department's chief.

"He loved his community," Herold said. "He's everything policing needs, he cared about this community, Boulder police, his family. He was willing to die to protect others, and that gets lost in translation."

President Joe Biden also offered his condolences Tuesday to the victims' families. He also praised Talley for his bravery.

"I send my deepest condolences to his family — his close, close family of seven children," Biden said in a news conference.

"When he pinned on that badge yesterday morning, he didn't know what the day would bring. I want everybody to think about this. Every time an officer walks out of his or her home — pins that badge on — the family member that they just said goodbye to wonders whether, subconsciously, they will get that call, that call that his wife got.

"He thought he would be coming home to his family of seven children, but when the moment to act came, Officer Talley did not hesitate in his duty — making the ultimate sacrifice in his effort to save lives," Biden said.

Donations for Talley can be made through the Colorado State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, Boulder County officials said.

The identities of all 10 people who were killed have been released.

Since the deadly shooting, thousands of messages have poured in over social media from Boulder community members, Coloradans, Americans and people from around the world.

Neighboring cities, such as Denver and Longmont, are offering any resources they can to help Boulder.

"When you hurt, we hurt," Longmont Mayor Brian Bagley said in a statement. "When you grieve, we grieve with you."

The city of Boulder is offering free mental health support services to community members daily at the University of Colorado Boulder Events Center, 950 Regent Drive. People can also call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

>> More information about how to make donations in support of victims can be found here.