A Very Sad Day in North America

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS WILL STEP DOWN FROM CONGRESS THIS WEEK

<ABBR class=published title=2012-01-22T14:19:29-05:00>January 22, 2012</ABBR>

In a video message to her constituents, congresswoman says she will ?do what is best for Arizona? as she recovers from shooting a year ago

TUCSON ? U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will step down from Congress this week to continue her recovery from a gunshot wound inflicted a year ago this month.

?I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week,? the congresswoman said in a video message released today to her constituents.

Giffords, a third-generation Arizonan who served five years in the state Legislature before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2006, will not seek re-election this fall.

But Giffords vowed that her career in public service has not come to an end.

?I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country,? she said.

In the two-minute video, Giffords looked back on her career and urged her colleagues in Congress to continue her practice of working across party lines for the good of the country.

?A lot has happened over the past year,? she said. ?We cannot change that. But I know on the issues we fought for, we can change things for the better. Jobs, border security, veterans. We can do so much more by working together.?

Giffords will submit her letter of resignation later this week to House Speaker John Boehner and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. The governor will set the date for special primary and general elections to determine who will serve the remainder of Giffords? term.
...

http://giffords.house.gov/2012/01/us-rep-gabrielle-giffords-will-step-down-from-congress-this-week.shtml

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[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Another very sad day. The suspected murderer is in police custody. We will not be adding many posts about this event to this thread because it appears that the main stream media is widely covering it.

We offer our condolences to all of the victims, their families, and to all affected by this tragedy.

Gunman kills 12 in Colorado movie theater

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/20/us/colorado-theater-shooting/index.html

[Giuseppe]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Another story of violence, fear and anguish. In the Temple of Pleasure, a young man has found the ground of the last battle. Against innocents, of course. My sincere condolence for all people in these dark moments.

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

July 20, 2012

<!-- END ~/usercontrols/interior/content.ascx==================================== -->How to Talk to Your Kids About Aurora's Movie Theater Shooting

The Denver Metro Area is in a state of shock after a gunman shot more than fifty people at a movie theater in Aurora early Friday morning.

Feelings of panic and fear - among others - have risen, and extensive news media coverage can heighten those feelings, especially in children.

While the community grapples in the aftermath, it's important to help calm children's fears.

Marianne Wamboldt, MD, a physician at Children's Colorado, offered this advice: "Most parents have all the skills necessary to help their children deal with these events. Children are very aware of their parent's worries, especially during crises. Parents should admit their concerns to their children, but stress that they are coping with the concerns. Having an action plan as to how they, as a family, are going to help prevent further traumas is helpful for all."


Resources available

Children's Colorado has set up a Family Support line at 720-777-2300 to help families who need advice or help finding resources about how to help their child deal with stress related to the incident. The line will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and callers will be asked to provide their contact information. A behavioral health specialist will return their call within 24 hours.

Tips for parents

Our pediatric behavioral health experts at Children's Colorado have outlined ways for parents to comfort and talk with their children about the tragedy.

Increase parental availability

Parents should be accessible to their kids physically and emotionally. Kids are likely to be scared and anxious in the aftermath of this crisis, and they may identify with the victims. Nurturing and supportive parents provide a safe space for children to vent their emotions.

Decrease media availability

Kids don't understand the process behind a story they see on the news. Every time they see coverage of the crisis, they perceive it as happening again. Parents should be sensitive to this and limit the amount of crisis-related media their kids can access. Watching too much news coverage is stressful and traumatizing for adults as well, so parents limiting their watching news of the trauma can help them stay calmer for their child.

Display and promote stability

Kids will look to their parents for cues on how to react to a crisis. If parents are anxious, particularly about appearing in a public place, the children are likely to be nervous as well. Parents should project stability and calmness in relation to the event. Keeping your child's routine as normal as possible gives children a sense of stability and helps them feel safe.

Be open to kids' fears

After a crisis, kids are most likely to fear the possibility of fear returning. They are less afraid of the event happening again than they are of re-experiencing the anxiety of that day. Kids need to tell their story, so parents should give them plenty of time and space to do so. It is natural for younger children to play out their fears; it is okay to watch them play and/or interact with them in the play as a way of understanding their concerns.

Be prepared for questions

Many questions kids ask will be difficult, if not impossible to answer.

Parents should explain that the shooting was a random event and discuss steps the community will take to ensure public safety. Remind kids that the public servants are there to protect them. Parents should consider their own skills and how they want to help with this community-wide problem, like getting involved politically to enforce gun control, promoting programs that prevent mental health problems, supporting families through their faith groups, etc. Voicing this problem solving to their children will give them a sense of control over their fears as well.

Get additional information on how to talk to your children after a disaster here and here.

http://www.childrenscolorado.org/news/inthenews/2012-news/aurora-shooting.aspx

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Updated Media Points Updated at 6:40 p.m. July 20, 2012, with revised information under Phone Numbers.

General information on shooting

? 71 victims total ? 12 of which are confirmed dead, 59 others injured.
? 10 victims died in the theater; 2 died later at area hospitals.
? Victims were transported by police, ambulance and by personal vehicles to several area hospitals.
? VICTIM IDENTIFICATION IS STILL IN PROCESS - THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS HAVE NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. Reasons being, this is still an active investigation at the crime scene.
? APD HAS NOT RELEASED ANY INFORMATION OR NAMES OF VICTIMS. We ask that people respect the privacy of these families. Resources are being offered to victims and families.
? Police have interviewed over 200 witnesses. Police have not been able to verify all witness statements at this time.
? In cooperation with the investigation, The Aurora Town Center decided to close for the day.
SUSPECT
? James Eagen Holmes (12/13/87)
? No arrest booking photos will be released.
? AURORA criminal record consists of only a traffic summons.
? The suspect will not appear in court today. We anticipate this will be early next week.
ACTUAL SHOOTING INCIDENT
? How the suspect entered the theater is still under investigation.
? Any motive is still unknown.
? We are confident that the shooter acted alone. However we are following up on all leads.
? The suspect deployed 2 devices in the theater. These devices released some smoke or some sort of irritant.
? The suspect then opened fire.
? First officers were on scene within a minute and a minute and half of the first 911 call.
? Officers contacted Holmes outside of the movie theater by his car. He was arrested without incident. There were 4 guns recovered, one of which was in the theater. The guns included AR 15, shotgun, and two handguns.
? He was outfitted in complete ballistic gear included a ballistic helmet, vest, shin guards, groin and throat protector. He also had a gas mask.
SUSPECT?S RESIDENCE
? 1690 Paris Street, Aurora. Which is an apartment building and all residents have been evacuated.
? Still a very active scene. Several local, state and federal agencies responded to initial scene and remain active on the Paris Street Address.
? The apartment appears to be ?booby trapped? therefore no entry has been made by Law Enforcement. A robot was sent in and it appears there are several items and devices located within residence.
ANTICIPATED UPDATES
? Press conference is set for 7 PM at the Aurora Municipal Center located at 15151 E Alameda Pkwy in the southwest parking lot.
? If breaking news develops, media will be notified via Twitter (@aurorapd).
? Intermittent updates will be post on Twitter ?@aurorapd? and Facebook ?Aurora Police Department.?
? No independent interviews will be conducted at this time.
PHONE NUMBERS
? Individuals wanting to report tips are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).
? Public line for victims and witnesses ? 303-739-1862.
? Media line 303-739-6103 and 303-739-6104.
? Disaster Recovery Center: Aurora Mental Health, Red Cross, grief counseling, victim compensation, mental health assistanct and other resources will be available on site at Aurora Hinkley High School and Rangeview High School or via community hotline (303-617-2300). STARTING TOMORROW, JULY 21, 2012, FROM 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
? Evacuation Center: Aurora Central High School has been opened for the families that had to be evacuated from five apartment buildings in and around the suspect?s apartment. The Red Cross will be there to provide resources.
? Further community resources will be made available and that information will be disseminated to the public later today.
? Please direct offers for food donations to 303-739-6346. This is not for monetary donations. Thank you for your generosity

http://apps.auroragov.org/newsupdate..._7_20_1830.htm

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July 20, 2012 7pm Press Conference
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Published on Jul 20, 2012 by theaurorachannel
7 p.m. July 20, 2012 Press Conference from Aurora Colorado related to incident at Century16 Theaters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFe-QWrPdNI&list=PLEDC04B9A5A66CC38&index=1&feature=plpp_video

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

SAMHSA News Release


Date: 7/20/2012 9:15 AM
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office
Telephone: 240-276-2130


The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 provides immediate crisis counseling and help to people affected by the shooting incident in Aurora, Colorado

<table> <tbody><tr class="odd"> <td>
A disaster or tragedy is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the tragedy that occurred at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado.

The Helpline is a 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling after experiencing a natural or man-made disaster or tragedy.

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services.

“When disaster strikes, people react with increased anxiety, worry and anger. With community and family support, most of us bounce back. Some may need extra assistance to cope with unfolding events and uncertainties,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. “People seeking emotional help in the aftermath of a disaster can now call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 and begin the process of recovery.”

The Disaster Distress Helpline is the nation’s first permanent hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. The toll-free Helpline is confidential and multilingual and available for those who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters, incidents of mass violence or any other tragedy affecting America's communities. The Helpline complements the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other disaster response capacities, and is available immediately anywhere within the United States.

The helpline can also be accessed at http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/. <hr> SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
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Last updated: 7/20/2012 9:26 AM

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Kindness and Compassion is not gone in these tough times.

In the Aurora Theater the Men Protected the Women. What Does that Mean?
By Hanna Rosin | Posted Monday, July 23, 2012, at 10:57 AM ET



A woman listens as the names of the 12 shooting victims at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colo., are read aloud during a prayer vigil on Sunday.

In the movies the Dark Knight does not always save his lady, but in the Aurora theater the story unfolded differently. The male instinct to rescue and protect kicked in the way it does in less complicated superhero tales.

At least three of the 12 victims of the shooting died because they were physically protecting the women they came to the movie with.

more...

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2012/07/23/aurora_dark_knight_shooting_the_men_protected_the_women.html?fb_ref=sm_fb_like_toolbar&fb_source=home_multiline

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Police responded to a 911 call at a Sikh Temple at around 10:30. Police officer shot multiple times, (in surgery should be ok), returned fire and shooter shot dead. Up to 100 people trapped inside with possible multiple shooters. Witnesses are reporting a coordinated attack by multiple shooters. Police have swept the building and have found 6 other bodies, but no other gunmen. 3 are in hospital including police officer, all in critical condition.
Police do not at this stage believe that there is a second shooter, but searching is continuing.

http://livewire.wisn.com/Event/Oak_Creek_Temple_Shooting

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Apparently the leader of the temple lost his life protecting others.

In this carnage we are seeing the best in humanity. The sacrifice of one's own life for others.

We All Want the Same Thing. A Future for Our Children.


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[alert]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Reports from northern New Jersey of a mass shooting in a supermarket, at least 3 dead:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/old-bridge-shooting-mall-new-jersey_n_1845961.html?1346414782&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D199604

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in North America

It appears the shooter may have mental problems.


Man shot dead at victory rally for new Quebec premier



Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois is rushed from stage after shooting during victory rally (The Canadian Press, AP Photo/Graham Hughes)


(AP) MONTREAL — A masked gunman opened fire during a midnight victory rally for Quebec's new premier, killing one person and wounding another. The new premier, Pauline Marois, of the separatist Parti Quebecois, was whisked off the stage by guards while giving her speech, and was uninjured.

snip

The gunman then fled outside, where he set a small fire before he was captured, police said.

Police said they didn't know the gunman's motive. As the suspect was being dragged toward the police cruiser, he was heard shouting in French, "The English are waking up!"

more...

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57506190/man-shot-dead-at-victory-rally-for-new-quebec-premier/

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in North America

It appears the shooter may have mental problems.


Man shot dead at victory rally for new Quebec premier



Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois is rushed from stage after shooting during victory rally (The Canadian Press, AP Photo/Graham Hughes)


(AP) MONTREAL ? A masked gunman opened fire during a midnight victory rally for Quebec's new premier, killing one person and wounding another. The new premier, Pauline Marois, of the separatist Parti Quebecois, was whisked off the stage by guards while giving her speech, and was uninjured.

snip

The gunman then fled outside, where he set a small fire before he was captured, police said.

Police said they didn't know the gunman's motive. As the suspect was being dragged toward the police cruiser, he was heard shouting in French, "The English are waking up!"

more...

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-...uebec-premier/

The suspect, a heavyset, bespectacled man, wore a balaclava, shorts and what appeared to be a bathrobe.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle4518887/

[Diane Morin]

Re: A Very Sad Day in North America

Tr?s triste!

Notre dossier en fran?ais:

Un attentat au rassemblement du PQ fait un mort et un bless? durant le discours de la nouvelle Premi?re Ministre du Qu?bec

Le tireur se pr?nomme Richard et il a 62 ans. Il ?tait masqu? et v?tu d'une robe de chambre. Il y a fait un mort (un homme de 45 ans) et un bless? (un autre homme). Il a ?galement mis le feu avec un acc?l?rant ? la sortie arri?re du b?timent o? se tenait le rassemblement p?quiste. ? ce moment-ci de l'enqu?te, les enqu?teurs pensent qu'il a agi seul.

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in North America

Tr&#232;s triste!

Notre dossier en fran&#231;ais:

Un attentat au rassemblement du PQ fait un mort et un bless&#233; durant le discours de la nouvelle Premi&#232;re Ministre du Qu&#233;bec

Le tireur se pr&#233;nomme Richard et il a 62 ans. Il &#233;tait masqu&#233; et v&#234;tu d'une robe de chambre. Il y a fait un mort (un homme de 45 ans) et un bless&#233; (un autre homme). Il a &#233;galement mis le feu avec un acc&#233;l&#233;rant &#224; la sortie arri&#232;re du b&#226;timent o&#249; se tenait le rassemblement p&#233;quiste. &#192; ce moment-ci de l'enqu&#234;te, les enqu&#234;teurs pensent qu'il a agi seul.

In each of these tragedies people exhibited extreme bravery.

In the Colorado theater shooting, the men protected women with their bodies and were hit by the bullets. In the Sihk temple shooting the leader was killed protecting others.

And now in Montreal 2 men stopped a heavily armed man from entering the main hall where the newly elected premier of Quebec was speaking. Can you imagine confronting a man who has a machine gun? What kind of people do this? Selfless humanitarians. A heroes.

In these heroes lies the hope for all of us.

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in North America

7 adults + 17 children reported dead in a Connecticut school..

live reuters video news:

http://live.reuters.com/Event/Newtown_School_Shooting

Unbelievable.....