Boulder police officer among several killed in shooting at King Soopers, one in custody
BOULDER, Colo. (KRDO) -- UPDATE: Boulder Police have lost one of their own, and multiple others are dead after a shooting in the middle of a quiet Monday afternoon at King Soopers.
During a press conference at 8:20 p.m. Monday, Boulder police identified the fallen officer as Police Officer Eric Talley, 51.
According to BPD, he was one of the first on the scene. Talley had been with the department since 2010. Several dozen police officers participated in a procession for Talley earlier in the evening.
Talley's father, Homer Talley, spoke with 9News. He was a father of seven children and was in the process of becoming a drone operator because he thought it would be safer.
“He had a great sense of humor, he was a prankster,” Homer Talley said. “He loved his family more than anything."
During the press conference, BPD confirmed ten people, including Talley, died during the shooting.
As of Monday night, the name of the other victims had not been released until all families have been notified.
The Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty spoke on the loss of Talley.
"His life was cut much too short," said Dougherty. He also expressed sympathy to the loved ones of the nine other victims.
The DA also confirmed the injured person in custody is the alleged shooter. No word on any charges.
Watch the 8:20 press conference below:
#BOULDERSHOOTING Updated information, live press conference https://t.co/00999WftkY
— Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) March 23, 2021
Earlier:
Commander Kerry Yamaguchi with the Boulder Police Department started a news conference by confirming multiple people were killed in the shooting, including one Boulder police officer.
Yamaguchi confirmed that a person of interest was in custody and was injured, but there was no current threat to the public. That person hasn't been identified yet.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty called the incident a tragedy and said the investigation would be a "coordinated effort."
Kelli McGannon, a spokesperson for King Soopers, said "our hearts are broken" over "this senseless act of violence." McGannon said the company is working with law enforcement through the investigation.
Yamaguchi couldn't confirm how many people in total had been killed. He said that the person of interest was the only one reported to be seriously injured.
Neither the DA nor police could comment as to what the alleged shooter's motive may have been.
Dougherty said he wouldn't comment on potential charges being filed at this time.
Boulder Police say any witnesses are encouraged to call BPD at 303-441-3333.
The Boulder Police Department responded to reports of an active shooter situation at a grocery store at 2:49 p.m. Monday.
Around 3:30 p.m., police confirmed a suspect was taken into custody.
ALERT: Active Shooter at the King Soopers on Table Mesa. AVOID THE AREA. PIO is en-route.
— Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) March 22, 2021
According to police, the incident is happening at the King Soopers on Table Mesa. People are advised to still avoid the area, it is an active scene.
Please avoid the area of Table Mesa & Broadway! This is still a very active scene. Do NOT broadcast on social media any tactical information you might see #BoulderShooting 1/2 pic.twitter.com/JE214XS86B
— Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) March 22, 2021
9News, KRDO's affiliate station in Denver, has a crew at the scene.
#BREAKING this is the scene at the King Soopers in Boulder where an active shooter has been reported. Massive police presence #9News pic.twitter.com/ExD9j9b1Hf
— Marc Sallinger (@MarcSallinger) March 22, 2021
As of 5:00 p.m., people are in the process of reuniting with individuals that were in the store.
Several Colorado lawmakers have reacted to Monday's shooting, including Governor Jared Polis.
My heart is breaking as we watch this unspeakable event unfold in our Boulder community. We are making every public safety resource available to assist the Boulder County Sheriff's Department as they work to secure the store.
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) March 22, 2021
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/m8nI24pahU
We’re closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Boulder. Grateful for all of our first responders on the scene and praying for the officers and individuals who are inside the grocery store. https://t.co/vk4PFgswFM
— Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) March 22, 2021
As we continue to hear the news coming out of Boulder, I’m praying for the police, first responders, and those affected by this tragedy.
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) March 22, 2021
May God be with us as we make sense of this senseless violence, and may we unify and not divide during this time.
Praying for the victims and for our entire community in #Boulder. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/tFPuIiWO0p
— Joe Neguse (@JoeNeguse) March 22, 2021
According to the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting around 6 p.m.
This is a developing story, this article will be updated as more information comes in.
