Aurora Mayor Provides Guidance As Community Struggles
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan first got word about the mass shooting at the Century 16 theater about an hour and a half after the first shots were fired.
Hogan told CBS4's Gloria Neal that since then, "it's been pretty much non-stop."
He's only been mayor for about six months, but Hogan has provided a strong, guiding hand as his community has been struggling in the wake of the shooting that left 12 dead and 58 injured. Six people remain in critical condition.
From the first day, Hogan has brought a message of strength and perseverance, saying "We will get through this." He has addressed the media, talked to the community, hosted the president and met with the victims and their families.
"They want to know people are really thinking about them and that people really care and that everyone is sorry about what happened," Hogan said on Neal's radio show on AM 760 Tuesday morning.
Hogan has also visited the community memorial, which he says is "very, very emotional."
Hogan is preparing to attend some of the funerals for victims. He's also beginning the conversation about the future of the theater building, and what kind of permanent memorial should stand one day. He says those are steps that must be taken in the healing process.
As for how he has been keeping it together during this tough time?
"Well, personally, I just make sure I talk to somebody else. And that's what everybody should do," he said.
Talking. Grieving. Mourning. Hogan says it's time for the healing to begin.
Don't miss a special hour long report on CBS4 on Friday at 4 p.m. titled "Movie Theater Tragedy: Remember, Honor Support" which will look back at the week following the Aurora shootings.
