Hundreds of people gathered across Boulder throughout Tuesday to honor and respect the 10 people killed during a mass shooting at a King Soopers on the south side of town Monday. 

Whether it was in front of the King Soopers at 3600 Table Mesa Drive, or at the Boulder Police Department where fallen Officer Eric Talley’s patrol vehicle was parked outside, people gathered with flowers, cards and with tears flowing down their cheeks.

But as longtime residents and students begin processing the largest shooting in Boulder County history, medical officials with the city, county and University of Colorado Boulder are urging victims, family members, friends or anyone struggling to seek assistance.

“The first phase is really about getting people hooked up with other people, and people around them, and staying with friends or family members to just help them through this first week,” said Craig Knippenberg, a child therapist who provided services to students following the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. 

“If people are alone, that’s a really big concern, and people really just need to reach out for help whether it’s professionally or community support,” he said.

Sarah Okeefe and Maura Kieft, CU Boulder students who live two blocks from the store, said they were having a hard time processing something happening so close to home.

“It makes it a lot more real when it’s down the street from you and could be anyone that you know … it’s not fair,” said Okeefe, who stood crying in front of the fenced-off line covered with flowers, cards and signs. 

In an attempt to help those like Okeefe and Kieft, CU Boulder is offering students a list of resources including a 24/7 phone support system and assistance in finding or providing immediate counseling and psychiatric services.

For residents and those immediately impacted by the shooting, Boulder County’s Office of Emergency Management has established a specific location at the Family Assistance Center at VIA Mobility at 2855 63rd St. in Boulder and will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through at least March 25. 

BCOEM is also encouraging anyone needing mental or emotional support to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Mental Health Partners is an additional resource and can be reached at 303-443-8500 or their Facebook page for virtual help.

Although Knippenberg says every person will process Monday’s shooting differently, those directly impacted will have lifelong scars.

“They are going to have a tough time, and they’re going to have some pretty serious post-traumatic stress disorder,” Knippenberg said. “Even if they weren’t inside at the time of the shooting like the first responders, anyone involved, whether it’s a journalist or neighbor, will be traumatized.

Although Okeefe and Kieft were not inside the grocery store at the time of the attack, they said they question whether it’s safe to go grab a gallon of milk.

“If something like this can happen in Boulder it can probably happen anywhere,” Kieft said. 

Those losing sleep, feeling hopeless or just needing someone to talk to are encouraged to seek professional help from places such as the Boulder County Mental Health Center.

“People are never going to forget what happened; it’ll be wired in their (brains) forever, but anyone struggling should reach out for professional help and not be afraid to do so,” Knippenberg said.