Victims, suspect identified in Boulder King Soopers shooting
BOULDER, Colo. — Multiple people were killed in a shooting at the King Soopers grocery store on Table Mesa Drive in Boulder on March 22, according to Boulder Police Commander Kerry Yamaguchi.
One of the people killed was a Boulder police officer, Yamaguchi said.
A suspect is in custody. They were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries, police announced.
The police department held a press conference around 6:45 p.m. Monday, but did not specify the number of people killed and did not identify any of the victims.
Around 2:45 p.m., the Boulder Police Department confirmed that officers were responding to an active shooter situation at the King Soopers grocery store on Table Mesa Drive.
“Words can do no justice to the tragedy that has unfolded this afternoon,” Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver wrote on Twitter. “Our community will soon grieve our losses, and begin our healing. Our brave police officers and first responders have the gratitude of our entire city.”
You can watch the full press conference below:
Scores of armed law enforcement officers and SWAT vehicles surrounded the King Soopers building. Several heavily armed officers used a fire engine ladder to get onto the roof of the building.
Around 3:30 p.m. video from news helicopters on scene showed police escorting a handcuffed man in his underwear out of the King Soopers. The man had what appeared to be blood covering much of his right leg. It is unclear if he was a suspect or a victim, however, during the press conference, police said the only person who was being treated for injuries was the suspect.
A witness inside the King Soopers told The Denver Post that the shooter "just came in and started shooting.” Witnesses who have not already spoken with police officers are encouraged to call Boulder PD at 303-441-3333.
Around 4:45 p.m., the scene at the grocery store began to calm down.
The Boulder Police Department set up a reunification center at the CU Event Center (950 Regent Dr.) for people who are looking for unaccounted family members.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Biden has been briefed on the shooting.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Denver FBI office, are assisting in the investigation.
Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse, who represents Boulder, said he was "Praying for the entire Boulder community & all of the first responders and law enforcement responding to this terrible incident."
Governor Jared Polis also issued a statement.
The King Soopers location is about two miles south of the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The university's Twitter account instructed people to avoid the area.
The university canceled classes for the day.
Rocky Mountain PBS has a crew at the scene. We will update this story as we learn more.
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