No sleep. A steady stream of hospital visits and funerals. A constant struggle to find the right words for the victims’ families.
This is what Gov. John Hickenlooper can expect, says former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, in office only three months in 1999 when two high-school gunmen killed 13 people at Columbine High School.
“It’s gut-wrenching. There’s no training for this,” he said. “You have a responsibility to steel yourself, provide leadership and help heal the wounds, but inwardly you’re crying.”
Owens said he didn’t want to discuss any advice he may give to Hickenlooper, if solicited, but said on the day of the Columbine shootings, he spoke to former Govs. Dick Lamm and Roy Romer. Lamm, he said, counseled him to remain focused.
“He said, ‘You are the father of Colorado today.’ “
One of the most difficult parts, Owens added, was touring the scene of the massacre.
“It’s so hard. You’re in a daze. You’re hurting for the families,” he said.
Hickenlooper said of the shooting on Friday: “This is not only an act of extreme violence, it is also an act of depravity. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This is one of those times.”
At the time of the Columbine shooting, the state legislature was in session and had a number of bills involving guns on its agenda, including a proposal to allow more concealed weapons. Additionally, the National Rifle Association’s annual convention was scheduled for the week after the shootings.
In light of the tragedy, the proposed bills were tabled, and the NRA scaled back its meeting.
Aurora theater shooting: Political reactions
Gov. John Hickenlooper — “This is not only an act of extreme violence, it is also an act of depravity. It is beyond the power of words to fully express our sorrow this morning. Our prayers and condolences go first to the families of those killed, and we share the grief of everyone affected by this senseless event. We appreciate the swift work by local, state and federal law enforcement. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This one of those times.”
Attorney General John Suthers — “Sadly, Colorado is once again the location of a tragic and senseless act of violence that will be seared into our collective psyche for years to come.
“Law enforcement in Colorado has learned lessons from prior tragedies and has responded to this incident quickly, effectively and professionally. However, it is virtually impossible to prevent incidents of this nature.
“I am confident Colorado law enforcement is doing everything and will do everything within its power to properly investigate this matter and bring the perpetrator of this tragedy to justice.
“On behalf of all law enforcement in Colorado, our hearts go out to the victims and families and everyone impacted by this horrible crime.”
Sen. Michael Bennet, Denver — “This was a horrible, senseless and abhorrent act. My family and I are shocked and deeply saddened this morning and our hearts are with the victims and their families. My staff and I are in contact with and offering our support to law enforcement and medical officials as they respond to the shooting.”
Sen. Mark Udall, Eldorado Springs— “I am deeply saddened and outraged by these senseless and tragic shootings. My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those killed, and I am praying for a speedy recovery for those who were wounded. My staff and I are in close contact with officials on the ground and will offer any federal resources needed to investigate this terrible crime and bring those responsible to justice.”
Rep. Mike Coffman, Aurora — “My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families in this senseless act of violence. I’ve lived in Aurora almost all of my life and nothing like this has ever happened here. This was the type of violence that I would have expected when I served in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, but never here at home.”
Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Jefferson County — “I am stunned and furious at the news of the shooting at the Aurora Century 16 movie theater this morning. Our heart and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragedy. Colorado is not a violent place, but we have some violent people. We are a strong and resilient community, and we will lean on each other in the days, weeks and months to come.”
Rep. Diana DeGette, Denver — “This morning, our Colorado community has been shaken by an inexplicable and horrific act of violence against so many innocent men, women, and children. We are all profoundly saddened by this senseless attack. My family and I join with all Coloradoans and those across the country today in praying for the victims and their families and loved ones. While we do not yet know the identities of the victims, in the coming days and weeks I know that all of us in the Denver-area will offer our support and assistance to those impacted by this shocking tragedy.”
Rep. Jared Polis, Boulder — “The thoughts and prayer of all Coloradans are with the victims of this horrific act of violence in Aurora. I know that all of our neighbors will reach out to offer assistance and condolences to their families and loved ones in this difficult time. I appreciate the work of local law enforcement officials who have acted swiftly to protect Coloradans from further violence.
“Colorado State Senate President Brandon Shaffer of Longmont — Our thoughts and prayers go out to those injured and to those who lost family members in this horrendous act of depravity. We must come together as a community to provide support to all those harmed by this tragedy, and we must be resolved to do everything within our power to guard against it ever happening again.”
Rep. Cory Gardner, Yuma — “Colorado and the nation woke up this morning to news of horrendous tragedy; our prayers are with each and every one of the victims and their families. Law enforcement is doing what they do best — acting bravely in the face of violence and we are all grateful for their service. In the hours and days to come, we will learn the answers we so desperately seek to fully understand what happened. Those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Rep. Scott Tipton, Cortez — “Last night’s shooting in Aurora was senseless and horrifying. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those that were tragically killed — may they find strength and peace during this difficult time — as well as for those that were wounded, that they make a full recovery.”
Rep. Doug Lamborn, Colorado Springs — “These shootings are senseless and tragic. The hearts of all Coloradans go out to the victims, the survivors, and their families.
“Our law enforcement and criminal justice systems must have all the resources needed to bring the perpetrator to full justice.
“In times of tragedy, the people of Colorado have a well-deserved reputation for coming together, and this time will be no different.”
Denver City Council — “Colorado and the Denver region awakened to the horrific news of the shooting at the multiplex movie theater in Aurora earlier this morning. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and want to express our sincerest sympathies to the victims and their families and to the entire community. The Denver City Council commends the heroic efforts of the Aurora Police Department and area law enforcement assisting in this effort for containing the situation and quickly apprehending the gunman. We also praise the heroic efforts of area hospitals that have done an incredible job treating the victims. The City of Denver stands ready to assist our neighbors in Aurora. Our hearts and prayers are with you.”
Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio — “We are all shocked and saddened by the senseless act of violence our friends and neighbors suffered overnight. Along with others across our state and country, I add my thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. Now is the time to come together as Coloradans and rely on the strong bonds of our shared communities to offer the support needed for those who lost so much.”
Colorado Republican Committee Chairman Ryan Call — “This is an extremely tragic day for the community of Aurora and for all of Colorado. The senseless violence and pain caused by last night’s tragedy should remind all of us to keep the victims, their family members, and their neighbors in our thoughts and prayers. We are fortunate to live in a community that can come together in times of difficulty, and find strength and solace in our faith and concern for one another.”
Dan Gross, president of Brady Campaign, a non-profit organization aimed at preventing gun violence — “This tragedy is another grim reminder that guns are the enablers of mass killers and that our nation pays an unacceptable price for our failure to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. We are outraged. We understand that President Obama has just spoken and so might Mitt Romney.
As someone who has suffered the lasting impact of gun violence, and President of Brady, I can tell you that we don’t want sympathy. We want action. Just this past April 16, the anniversary of the worst mass shooting in American history, 32 victims of gun violence joined us to demand Congress take action to stop arming dangerous people.”
Vice President Joe Biden — “Jill and I were shocked to learn of the tragedy in Aurora, Colo. this morning. The reason this is so deeply felt by all Americans is that, but for the grace of God, the victims could have been any one of our children, in any one of our towns. It is every parent’s worst nightmare to receive ‘that phone call’ and to sit by their child’s bedside, praying. We know what it’s like to wait and wonder and the helplessness a parent feels at this moment. Our hearts go out to each and every person who is suffering right now as a result of this terrible event. The prayers of an entire nation are with the victims and their families. We stand with the city of Aurora and the state of Colorado in mourning.”
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she is saddened by the deadly shootings in a suburban Denver movie theater, and she has instructed her department to provide any necessary support for the investigation.
Napolitano says federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are responding to the event.
Mitt Romney said, in a statement: “Our hearts break for victims of Colorado theater shooting whose lives were shattered in ‘moments of evil.'”
Colorado Congressman Jared Polis released the following statement:
“The thoughts and prayer of all Coloradans are with the victims of this horrific act of violence in Aurora. I know that all of our neighbors will reach out to offer assistance and condolences to their families and loved ones in this difficult time. I appreciate the work of local law enforcement officials who have acted swiftly to protect Coloradans from further violence.”
