More details emerging on Trolley Square gunman and victims

Anne Bagley, who lives in the Olympus Cove area, was at Trolley Square with her daughter and two granddaughters. They heard the shooting and hid. She said her daughters seem to be doing pretty well. She estimated the time between when she first heard shooting and a fusillade, probably when the gunman was killed, to be about 35 minutes. Afterward they could hear officers running across the roofs of the buildings.

Authorities, in releasing some of the details that are beginning to unfold from Monday's shooting, urged people to get help in the days, weeks and even months to come as the community attempts to heal.

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson extended his sympathies during the press conference to families of victims of Monday's shooting and reassured the community that, "This is a safe place."

"We want to do everything we can to help," Anderson said. "At times like this, there is an enormous sense of helplessness. There is help available."

Anderson said counseling is available at Valley Mental Health and people can call its crisis line at 261-1442.

The mayor said managers at Trolley Square were meeting with employees to provide any needed counseling. On Tuesday the owners released a statement.

"We are devastated and shocked by this senseless, random act of violence at Trolley Square and will do everything we can to support the Salt Lake City Police in their investigation. In light of last night's event, the mall will not reopen today," said Tom Baird with Scanlan Kempard Bard Companies. "Our greatest concern and prayers are with the victims, their families and loved ones."

The city is offering help to police and firefighters, and Anderson especially singled out the "particular effect felt by children" after going through or viewing such a frightening episode.

"We urge everyone with children — let them know they can talk about this openly, they don't have to hide their feelings."

Anderson said it is important for adults to do what they can to provide assurances to children that this was an isolated and very rare incident. "Notwithstanding what happened last night, this is a safe place," the mayor said.

Anderson said the city is experiencing the lowest serious crime rate in 14 years.

A memorial fund for victims has been established at Wells Fargo Bank.

On Utah's Capitol Hill, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. called for flags to be flown at half staff throughout the state for one week, to honor the shooting victims.

Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye, issued a statement Tuesday expressing their "most sincere condolences to the grieving families affected by the devastatingly tragic events at Trolley Square Monday night. They also wish peace and consolation to all of the others who were involved," the statement said.