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Boulder Grocery Store Shooting Updates
Stores Tighten Security - Inside the Rampage - The Suspect & Victims

Tightening Store Safety & Security
Some grocery stores looking to ramp up security after Colorado mass shooting
Some grocery stores on the Suncoast are considering bringing in a security presence at their stores following this week's mass shooting in Colorado.

The co-owner at Acapulco Tropical off of U.S. 41 in Bradenton says it's awful to think that you can be buying necessities for your family and your life can be taken in an instant. Others tell me it's disheartening to see mass shootings keep happening and believe no place is immune to it.

He says his team always has safety in mind. He says they greet and speak to everyone who comes in and out of their stores at the same time they're trained to spot anything suspicious. Mendoza says they have protocols in place but he wouldn't go into detail about it because of safety concerns. However, he believes they need to ramp up security a bit more.

"During the holiday season we used to hire the sheriff's department. We still do sometimes and we're actually having meetings to hire them more, and not just for holiday events," said Mendoza.

While added security can currently address potential issues head-on, they believe mental health also needs to be addressed on the state and federal level.

ABC7 did reach out to other grocery stores like Publix and Morton's but as of Tuesday evening, we hadn't heard back on their safety protocols. Winn-Dixie did get back to us and they say safety is their highest priority but wouldn't discuss protocols because of corporate policy. mysuncoast.com

Inside the Store During the Rampage
The terrifying hour as employees and shoppers hid when a gunman went on a shooting spree at a Colorado grocery store
A gunman stood over an elderly man he had shot in the parking lot of King Soopers and pumped more bullets into the victim as the staff of the grocery store watched in horror.

The employees and some shoppers fled up the stairs of the Boulder, Colorado, store to hide in the backroom as the suspect roamed the store, according to an affidavit for an arrest warrant. Police would receive multiple calls that day reporting that a man had opened fire.

The first calls were reported at 2:30 p.m. local time, according to police. By 3:28 p.m. it was over.
And what was a regular day of errands and chores in a Colorado town was shattered forever. While some shoppers and employees managed to hide in terror, ten people were shot dead by a lone assailant.

Inside the King Soopers, pharmacy technician Maggie Montoya heard the first shot and saw everyone around her scatter, she told CNN's Anderson Cooper. She hid under a desk while a pharmacist held a chair against the door. She heard a series of gunshots and screams -- but then silence, broken only by the store music and ringing phones.

It sounded like the gunman was right outside her door when she heard him tell authorities: "I surrender. I'm naked."

"This is just where everybody goes to pick up groceries," Gov. Jared Polis said. "Never ever does it cross your mind that that trip to the grocery store could be your last moments on earth." cnn.com

Retail Workers in the Crosshairs
Deadly Boulder grocery-store shooting highlights the looming threat of violence that retail workers face in America
In 2018, 89 people working in sales and related occupations were killed in workplace homicides, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That year, 46 retail-sales workers were killed, most of them cashiers. An additional 40 people working in restaurants and other food-service-related positions were killed at work.

For comparison, 49 police officers were killed on the job in 2018. Roughly 77% of all workplace homicides in 2018 were related to shootings.

Part of the reason that the numbers for retail-sales workers and police officers were roughly the same is that there are many more retail workers across the US than police officers. However, violence at work - especially gun violence - is a serious, ongoing problem.

Workers have faced new fears on the job over the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grocery workers have also faced harassment and violence when attempting to enforce mask mandates. businessinsider.com

Boulder, CO: Here's what we know about the Boulder mass shooting suspect
Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa was identified by authorities Tuesday as the gunman who opened fire at a King Soopers grocery store in Colorado, killing 10 people, including a Boulder police officer. The name of the 21-year-old suspect, who is in custody, was released at a news conference by Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold, who did not disclose a possible motive for Monday's bloodshed.

A search of the suspect's suburban Denver home turned up other weapons, a senior law enforcement source said Tuesday. The weapon used in the attack was an AR-15-style pistol modified with an arm brace, according to the source. Authorities believe Alissa was the only person involved and that there was no additional threat to the community.

The suspect has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one charge of attempted murder, according to his arrest warrant. His first court appearance is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. (10:15 a.m. ET) Thursday, according to Colorado Judicial Branch online records. The warrant described Alissa as being armed with either an assault rifle or "black AR-15" and wearing a "tactical" or "armored" vest. The suspect had "removed all of his clothing and was dressed only in shorts" when he was taken into custody, the affidavit said. Outside the store, the document said, Alissa wouldn't tell police whether there were other suspects, but he did ask to speak to his mother.

Using law enforcement databases, the affidavit said, investigators determined Alissa had purchased a Ruger AR556 pistol on March 16. Michael Dougherty, Boulder County district attorney, said Alissa is a resident of Arvada, between Boulder and Denver, who has "lived most of his life in the United States." The family emigrated from Syria in 2002, the brother said. They have lived in the Arvada area since 2014. Alissa may have been suffering from mental illness, according to his 34-year-old brother, Ali Aliwi Alissa. The brother told CNN on Tuesday that in high school bullies made fun of Alissa's name and for being Muslim and that may have contributed to him becoming "anti-social." cnn.com

A Police Officer & Grocery Store Workers Among the Dead
Here's What We Know About The Victims Of The Boulder Shooting
A gunman shot and killed 10 people at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colo., on Monday afternoon. The victims ranged from age 20 to 65. Some of them were shopping at the store; some worked there. One was a police officer who arrived to help. npr.org

Workplace Violence Resources & Toolkits from SHRM.org

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Minneapolis Overturns Ban on External Security Equipment
Businesses rush to install security shutters as Chauvin trial moves forward

City Council unanimously agreed in December to overturn its ban on external security equipment following last year's riots

From small retailers to corporate giants such as Target and Ameriprise, property owners are rushing to take advantage of a new ordinance in Minneapolis that allows them to use retractable metal shutters and roll-up gates to protect their assets. Even the city of Minneapolis has joined the movement: The Police Department was one of the first to add retractable shutters to its downtown First Precinct. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis also began installing shutters on its front lobby windows last week.

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously agreed to overturn its ban on external security equipment in December, four months after a Star Tribune report found widespread interest in the devices in the wake of last year's riots.

In the wake of the riots, property owners complained that they can no longer count on the city to protect their property. Altogether, more than 1,500 businesses in the Twin Cities were damaged during the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd, causing an estimated $500 million in losses. Financially, it is the second costliest case of civil unrest in modern American history.

Under the new rules, security shutters and gates must remain open during business hours and can't include any signs, such as advertisements. The council approved the change in December with no discussion.

Some property owners moved quickly to add shutters because they fear a replay of unrest could be in the works. A trial is underway for the first of four former police officers charged in Floyd's death. securityinfowatch.com

Heavily Guarded Minneapolis Courthouse Awaits Trial
With jury set, opening arguments Monday are next in Derek Chauvin trial
The final juror was selected Tuesday in the trial of fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd.

Court is now in recess until 9 a.m. Monday, when opening statements will be made by both sides. The fourth jury candidate interviewed Tuesday was the 15th and final juror chosen. But the juror, a recently married white male accountant in his 20s, will be dropped from the panel if the first 14 show up for duty at the heavily guarded downtown Minneapolis courthouse. startribune.com

New Racial Justice Commission in NYC
After Unrest and Protests, N.Y.C. Creates Group to 'Dismantle Structural Racism'

A new racial justice commission will make policy recommendations that could include baby bonds, a jobs guarantee or reparations for Black residents.

After a year where the pandemic and protests over police brutality underscored New York City's broad racial inequities, Mayor Bill de Blasio has unveiled a sweeping initiative to examine and remake the City Charter to correct imbalances.

The mayor announced on Tuesday the formation of a Racial Justice Commission that will be empowered to make policy recommendations that he said would be designed to "dismantle structural racism for all New Yorkers."

The 11-member commission could propose bold policies like a jobs guarantee for all residents, or reparation payments to Black residents. The commission is expected to make its recommendations this year, the last of Mr. de Blasio's eight years in office; some of the proposals could go before New Yorkers next year as ballot measures.

The idea is modeled after reconciliation commissions in countries like South Africa, Canada and Argentina that have addressed legacies of racism and violence. nytimes.com

Car ramming at rally protesting anti-Asian hate being investigated as hate crime
Los Angeles authorities are investigating a possible hate crime after a man recklessly drove through a red light into a crosswalk where protesters were marching in a "Stop Asian Hate" rally.

The man yelled racial epithets as he rammed his car through the pedestrian route where the scheduled rally was taking place on Sunday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday.

"Based on what we have learned, this is being investigated as a hate crime," Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a tweet. abcnews.go.com

In the Wake of Anti-Asian Violence, Employers Demand Action

Asian Americans report biggest increase in online hate & harassment during pandemic

Council president criticizes Atlanta mayor over officer firings during summer 2020 protests, shooting
 

COVID Update

128M Vaccinations Given

McKinsey & Company
Nevada announces $45M settlement with McKinsey over role in opioid crisis

Nevada has struck a $45 million settlement deal with McKinsey & Company for its role in advising opioid makers how to sell more prescription painkillers amid a national overdose crisis

Nevada has struck a $45 million settlement deal with McKinsey & Company for the global consulting firm's role in advising opioid makers how to sell more prescription painkillers amid a national overdose crisis.

The western state reached the deal after sitting out a multi-state settlement with McKinsey announced in February. The hard bargaining has allowed Nevada to win a settlement that's three and a half times larger than the average settlement with other states.

McKinsey said the deal reached with Nevada is "consistent with the commitment we made in February to be part of the solution to the opioid epidemic," and it "believes its past work was lawful." The company said the settlement agreement does not contain any admission of wrongdoing or liability.

The New York-based company in February settled for $573 million with 47 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories (reported in the Daily on Feb. 4). It also at the time announced separate settlements with Washington state for $13.5 million and West Virginia for $10 million. abcnews.go.com

NRF: Stimulus Driving Record Easter Spending
Average Easter Spending Expected to be Highest on Record
Consumers plan to spend an average of $179.70 this Easter, the highest figure on record, according to results of the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. A total of 79 percent of Americans will celebrate the holiday and spend a collective $21.6 billion, down slightly from last year's pre-pandemic forecast of $21.7 billion.

"With new stimulus funds from the President's American Rescue Plan, positive trends in vaccinations and growing consumer confidence, there is a lot of momentum heading into the Spring and holiday events like Easter," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. "Many have figured out how to celebrate holidays safely with family and that is reflected in consumer spending this Easter."

As more and more individuals become vaccinated, consumers are planning to celebrate in ways they might have missed last year due to COVID-19. The newest CDC guidance on gatherings means some families might be able to plan a festive meal with vaccinated family members or take advantage of warmer weather and gather outside. nrf.com

Consumers Miss Shopping In-Store
Nearly 80% of consumers plan more in-person shopping this year
Shoppers miss the physical, human side of shopping in-store following a year of COVID-19 restrictions.

That's according to research by design agency ChaseDesign, which found that 78% of U.S. consumers plan to shop more in-store this year than before. Forty-two percent said they miss able being able to touch and feel products - and 63% miss getting out of the house.

To create a positive in-store experience for the consumers, retailers must ensure there is an inviting in-store atmosphere (54%) and employ believable, knowledgeable staff (50%) to meet consumer expectations, according to the study. There are some stores that are already leading the way when it comes to in-store experience such as Target, which was ranked No. 1 by research participants, with Walmart a close second. chainstoreage.com

7-Eleven Evolution
7-Eleven is opening its first drive-thru store in Dallas
A new 7-Eleven store in Dallas, Texas will have a drive-thru and be connected to Laredo Taco Company. The location will also have indoor dining. This location marks the first-ever 7-Eleven drive-thru. The first combination 7-Eleven and Laredo Taco Company opened two years ago, the company says.

This new store will be the sixth 7-Eleven Evolution store, and the third in Dallas. The Evolution stores are designed as "experiential testing grounds" for new ideas and foods. In February, 7-Eleven listed one of these stores as a Playstation gaming experience available to rent on Airbnb, Brittany Chang reported. businessinsider.com

'Ten Below'
Five Below's New In-Store Concept to Hit 180+ Stores
The value retailer is expanding its Five Beyond store-within-a-store concept, which features products with higher price tags, to one-third of its stores nationwide. The concept was born out of Five Below's test run of a higher-priced store section called Ten Below that it has been piloting over the past few years.

The plan was delivered by CEO Joel Anderson last week, who said the store-within-a-store concept was deployed in 140 stores last year and will be expanded to 170 or 180 more this year. No individual stores were revealed. retailwire.com yahoo.com

List of 39 Stores Closed on Easter Sunday (and 21 That Will Stay Open)

John Lewis announces eight store closures - axing 1,500 jobs overall