Jacque- thank you for speaking up about the power of empathy, especially in the wake of such heartbreaking violence. It’s hard to even process tragedies like this—families shattered, officers lost in the line of duty, and a community forever altered.
As someone who lives in the vicinity of Columbine High School and responds to tragedies like this through Project Linus, I completely agree that we need to find a solution to this horrific situation and aftermath.
What makes it even harder is knowing these stories are not isolated. Again and again, we see the same pattern: guns in the hands of someone deeply unwell, warning signs missed or minimized, and lives cut short in moments of senseless destruction.
Empathy is essential. It allows us to hold space for the grief of the families, the bravery of the officers, the trauma of survivors, and yes—even the brokenness of the man who caused it. But empathy alone won’t prevent the next tragedy.
We need laws that make it harder—not easier—for dangerous people to access weapons. We need stronger accountability when warning signs are ignored. And above all, we need to take mental health seriously, with real support before crisis becomes catastrophe.
Violence like this should never feel normal. The most “empathetic” thing we can do for one another is to push for change so fewer families, fewer officers, and fewer communities ever have to endure this kind of heartbreak again.
I totally agree, Karen. Laws MUST be changed. A high-powered rifle, with the largest possible sized cartridge was used to gun down these first responders. Nearly the size of my index finger. Huge!! The killer had been arrested MANY times previously for violence toward strangers, and horrendous acts of domestic violence, and worse, in front of children. All charges were dropped in all cases. We have to wonder, as is often the case in Utah, who is he related to, or connected to, or neighbors with, or congregants with, for him to escape justice in ALL of those prior cases?? It happens all the time. The prosecutor is now (TOO LATE) re-charging him in those cases.
Mental health resources need to be increased. I agree. Resources are available here, for those who seek them, some at low or no cost. What a gift it would have been for his children, if he had chosen help over destruction. I've been told that alcohol played a big role. There are so many free resources, and paid, for people who choose to seek sobriety. I wish he had chosen that road.
What a heartbreaking event. I'm so sorry this happened in your community. I feel like it's happening in every community, across our country. I wish I knew the answer, Empathy is a good start. Hugs to you today.
Thank you, Jenn. It is happening all over our country. So terrible. I know there are problems with some officers, some departments. But these guys were truly good men. Hugs back to you!
That was difficult to read. So many lives loss and broken because one man has lost his soul. You are right, he did nor cry for the chaos he caused, he cried because he will face consequences. I wish more people will treat each other with kindness, from kindness we grow empathy.
What a heartbreaking and important post! Indeed, lack of empathy seems to be at the heart of that. As a society, we need to prioritize spiritual, human values and teach children from the time they are small to care for others and build community.
Jacque- thank you for speaking up about the power of empathy, especially in the wake of such heartbreaking violence. It’s hard to even process tragedies like this—families shattered, officers lost in the line of duty, and a community forever altered.
As someone who lives in the vicinity of Columbine High School and responds to tragedies like this through Project Linus, I completely agree that we need to find a solution to this horrific situation and aftermath.
What makes it even harder is knowing these stories are not isolated. Again and again, we see the same pattern: guns in the hands of someone deeply unwell, warning signs missed or minimized, and lives cut short in moments of senseless destruction.
Empathy is essential. It allows us to hold space for the grief of the families, the bravery of the officers, the trauma of survivors, and yes—even the brokenness of the man who caused it. But empathy alone won’t prevent the next tragedy.
We need laws that make it harder—not easier—for dangerous people to access weapons. We need stronger accountability when warning signs are ignored. And above all, we need to take mental health seriously, with real support before crisis becomes catastrophe.
Violence like this should never feel normal. The most “empathetic” thing we can do for one another is to push for change so fewer families, fewer officers, and fewer communities ever have to endure this kind of heartbreak again.
I totally agree, Karen. Laws MUST be changed. A high-powered rifle, with the largest possible sized cartridge was used to gun down these first responders. Nearly the size of my index finger. Huge!! The killer had been arrested MANY times previously for violence toward strangers, and horrendous acts of domestic violence, and worse, in front of children. All charges were dropped in all cases. We have to wonder, as is often the case in Utah, who is he related to, or connected to, or neighbors with, or congregants with, for him to escape justice in ALL of those prior cases?? It happens all the time. The prosecutor is now (TOO LATE) re-charging him in those cases.
Mental health resources need to be increased. I agree. Resources are available here, for those who seek them, some at low or no cost. What a gift it would have been for his children, if he had chosen help over destruction. I've been told that alcohol played a big role. There are so many free resources, and paid, for people who choose to seek sobriety. I wish he had chosen that road.
My eyes + heart are full of tears reading this... Empathy is the answer to many questions.
I’m learning that lesson more every day. Take care.
What a heartbreaking event. I'm so sorry this happened in your community. I feel like it's happening in every community, across our country. I wish I knew the answer, Empathy is a good start. Hugs to you today.
Thank you, Jenn. It is happening all over our country. So terrible. I know there are problems with some officers, some departments. But these guys were truly good men. Hugs back to you!
That was difficult to read. So many lives loss and broken because one man has lost his soul. You are right, he did nor cry for the chaos he caused, he cried because he will face consequences. I wish more people will treat each other with kindness, from kindness we grow empathy.
Thank you, Bernadette. So true: "...from kindness we grow empathy." 💕🌺
What a heartbreaking and important post! Indeed, lack of empathy seems to be at the heart of that. As a society, we need to prioritize spiritual, human values and teach children from the time they are small to care for others and build community.