The shock is wearing off, memorial services have wound down and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is in Houston for rehabilitation.
But for many Tucsonans, the drive to "do something" remains, following the Jan. 8 attack that killed six people and injured 13, including Giffords.
So what's next for Tucson? What about the long term?
Wounded Giffords staffer Ron Barber is convinced that out of this horrible experience something good is rising in Tucson.
"Memories of this event will fade, and something else will get in the way, but something about what's going on with this has a different feel to it," he said. In the spirit of murdered co-worker Gabe Zimmerman, Barber said, "The thing we have to do is figure out how we can be of service to others."
Sadly, many communities in the United States have experienced what Tucson did in the last two weeks. In most of them, memorials were built, and other less-tangible efforts were made to commemorate those lost - scholarships, new policies, new programs.
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Here some are already starting by establishing memorial funds and making plans for memorial structures. Others are responding in a more personal way, by becoming more vigilant about mental illness or trying to be more civil in personal or political interactions.
People who have witnessed the aftermath of other mass killings in the United States say to remember there is room for many different responses, and some of them will take time to coalesce.
Dave Cullen, author of the 2009 book "Columbine," said many Tucson victims and their family members will not know how they want to respond for years, and they should be allowed that time. But he said that if the community is going to try to build a costly memorial, fundraising should start now.
The raw truth is that people are more willing to donate to memorials soon after a massacre than they are months and years later, Cullen said.
People connected to the Columbine High School massacre "didn't realize that there's a certain window of opportunity and willingness," Cullen said. "A lot of people don't really care about the exact particulars. They want to contribute to what's going to be a memorial."
"Setting up a fund this week isn't necessarily a bad idea," he said.
Array of shrines
Across Tucson over the last two weeks, residents have expressed their grief and hope by setting up impromptu memorials: at the Safeway shooting site, on a lawn outside University Medical Center - where Giffords and many other victims were treated - and outside Giffords' office. Smaller memorials are in people's yards and on the marquees outside businesses, among other places.
Some of them are likely to become the site of permanent memorials.
University Medical Center has formed a committee to consider ideas for the site of the vast memorial on its lawn, said spokeswoman Katie Maass. The group is meeting for the first time Monday, she said. Fragile pieces of the current memorial are being collected now with eyes to some future use.
Safeway Manager Javier Rivas said corporate officials are working with a construction design team on a possible permanent tribute at the site outside the store at Ina and Oracle roads where the shootings occurred. Meanwhile, two memorials there will be left up indefinitely for the community to leave mementos.
While memorial structures are often built near modern-day mass-murder sites in the United States, long-term responses don't always take physical forms.
Christina-Taylor Green's family has established a memorial fund through the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. The Community Food Bank of Tucson has received more than $145,000 in donations since a fund was established in honor of Giffords.
At Virginia Tech University, where 32 people were killed by a student in April 2007, the building where the massacre occurred has been transformed. A new Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention is housed where most of the killings happened, and is led by a professor whose wife was murdered there.
At the University of Arizona's College of Nursing, where a student killed three professors in October 2002, there are four scholarship funds. Three, established in the name of each professor, take in donations and pass them out annually. The other, called the Nursing Faculty Memorial Scholarship, was endowed and is a permanent fund.
This sort of fund provided comfort to the family members of victims at Virginia Tech, where $10 million in donations rolled in after the murders there.
"The families of the people who were killed got $211,000 (each), and many of them turned around and used that money to establish scholarships or professorships," said Larry Hincker, the university's chief spokesman.
Some pitfalls
There are pitfalls in planning big, costly community memorials, and in fund raisers in general.
In Binghamton, N.Y., David Marsland complained about unfairness in the distribution of money donated to victims' families. It was unfair, especially to children left orphaned in the mass-murder at a center for immigrants there, he said.
On April 3, 2009, an immigrant from Vietnam entered a citizenship class at the center and began shooting, killing 13 people, including Marsland's wife.
"It's very important for people to be very careful about where they donate money," he said.
Now, he said, a group he's leading has raised $153,000 of a needed $200,000 to build a memorial on land donated by the city.
The community response there has been conflicted, said Ed Christine, metro editor of the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin.
"I'd love to tell you that it's rallied the community and everybody's behind it," Christine said of plans for a memorial.
"There was a lot of infighting among the survivors' groups," he said. "It's always a problem when money gets involved."
But people can always take a more individual approach to responding, and many Tucsonans have pointed to that as their focus after the Jan. 8 shootings.
While visiting a shrine at Safeway last week, Elaine Cubbins, 60, a librarian for the Tohono O'odham Community College in Sells, said she's been pondering her response.
"I've been thinking a lot about civility and kindness, and realized that it has to start within each of us," she said. "We need to make incremental changes for the better."
Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or at tsteller@azstarnet.com
Also: multimedia related to the Giffords shootings »»
Jan. 8, 2011
- Rep. Giffords shot, judge and 5 others killed at Tucson event
- Man linked to Giffords shooting rampage called 'very disturbed'
- Witness: Gunman 'was going for the congresswoman'
- Live updates from Giffords press conference
- Officials ID slain Giffords staffer
- Red Cross makes plea for blood following shooting
- Dupnik: Gunman made previous 'threats of death' but not against Giffords
- Remarks by President Obama on the shootings
- Sheriff corrects last name of retiree killed in rampage
- Second Saturdays canceled tonight
- Intersection of Ina and Oracle reopens after shooting
- Tucson retiree was killed at the Giffords event, friends say
- What was in his head? YouTube reveals grievances on currencies, grammar, religion, Constitution
- Vigil for Giffords, other shooting victims
Jan. 9, 2011
- Judge Roll, girl, 3 retirees, aide slain in attack on congresswoman
- A man of faith and devoted to rule of law
- Sheriff's office: 4 people stopped gunman
- Born, died between 2 tragedies
- Tucson girl, 9, killed in rampage, identified
- Giffords' medical condition called 'very precarious'
- 5 federal charges filed against Loughner in Giffords shootings
- Retired couple were in line of fire; he's dead, she's wounded
- Aide had gift for working with people
- Doc was feet from Giffords, aided others in 'surreal' scene
- 'It was clear who (gunman) was going for,' witness says
- Daniel Hernandez, intern, stays by Giffords' side
- Mourners gather by noon at Giffords' Tucson office
- Josh Brodesky: Perhaps now we can come together
- Officials express shock, support for Giffords
- Dupnik: Suspect is mentally unstable
- Red Cross pleads for blood after shootings
- McKale idle after shootings
- House delaying repeal vote on new health-overhaul law
- Authorities clear man called 'person of interest' in Giffords shooting case
- Coverage from around the world
- Giffords shooting: TUSD superintendent's letter to staff
- Gun used in shooting spree bought at Tucson store
- Fitz: Light a candle
Jan. 10, 2011
- Doctors: Rep. Giffords, other shooting victims continue to improve
- Five federal charges filed against Loughner in shooting
- Four Tucsonans stopped gunman: Ordinary citizens became heroes
- Giffords can squeeze hand, hold up fingers
- Giffords' husband offers his gratitude
- Morrises, shot at shopping center gathering, 'were totally in love'
- Shooting leaves NASA stunned
- Shooting victim made quilts, volunteered
- Slaying victims had diverse backgrounds
- Suspect faced no legal barrier to buying gun at local store
- Congress' security tightens; members, families, staff are briefed
- Tucsonans gather to mourn, pray for victims
- 911 callers describe frantic shooting scene
- Bloodshed could have chilling effect on forums
- Slain girl's family - rooted in baseball - gets teams' support
- 'Unabomber' lawyer sought for Tucson gunman
- At the Courthouse: Hero and Mom discuss Saturday's event
- Brewer speech focused on Tucson shooting victims (full text)
- Giffords' husband releases first statement since shooting
- LaWall considers state charges in Tucson shooting spree case
- No bail for shooting spree suspect
- Obama leads moment of silence for Tucson shooting victims
- Pueblo Politics: Kelly cancels Saturday announcement
- Pueblo Politics: Obama talks to families affected by tragedy
- Teddy bears, ribbons adorn young shooting victim's school
- UA: Counseling is available after Saturday's shootings
- Editorial: Let's step back, as Giffords asked
Jan. 11, 2011
- Dupnik's remarks stir political debate
- He credits military training in his role in day's heroics
- Giffords' status unchanged, a favorable sign
- Lawmakers see more security but want to remain accessible
- Obamas coming here for tribute
- Suspect's erratic past telling, experts say
- Expired law banned 31-round magazines
- How is 'incapacity' handled by Congress?
- Mesa Verde students mourn Christina-Taylor Green, 9
- Christina-Taylor Green memorial fund announced
- Loughner, at US hearing in Phoenix, ordered held
- Neighbor: Loughner's parents devastated
- Shooting victims' kin speak out
- State lawmakers push law to block Tucson funeral protests
- Tucson Health: Free state hotline set up for grief counseling
- Tucson Health: Progress website on Giffords' aide
- University of Arizona: Obamas to be at Tucson memorial event Wednesday
- Editorial: It's logical to try to make sense of such horror
- Fitz: Arizona
Jan. 12, 2011
- In an instant, crisis united shopper, aide
- Local 'Angels' group, new AZ law seek to shelter funeral goers from protests
- Loughner's family: Mysteries remain
- President Obama arrives at UMC
- Sales of guns, including Glocks, soar across US
- UMC's Level 1 trauma expands to fill need
- Update: Giffords more responsive less sedated, doc says
- Announced funeral services for the shooting victims
- Giffords' constituents can call Grijalva's office
- In UMC visit, Brewer praises docs' efforts, patients' 'resiliency'
- 3 UMC workers fired for records access
- Church won't protest funerals, school
- Funeral services for shooting victims
- Loughner stopped for running red light hours before attack
- Loughner's parents: 'We don't understand why this happened'
- Pueblo Politics: Grijalva takes over Giffords' constituent work
- Pueblo Politics: House to consider resolution honoring Giffords
- Pueblo Politics: Poll finds most Americans don’t blame shooting on political tone
- Spokesman: Recovery of wounded Giffords' staffer, Ron Barber, going well
- Tucson bishop leads Mass to remember shooting victims
- Victims remembered at Mass
- Editorial: Note to Obamas: Despite tragedy, this is a good town
- Fitz: Gabby
Jan. 13, 2011
- Christina-Taylor made "powerful" difference, mourners told
- 'What matters is not wealth, or status, or power or fame, but how well we have loved'
- 3 UMC workers fired for invading records
- Full text of President Obama's prepared speech
- Giffords' doctor: 'We're very happy at this point'
- Giffords' way: pragmatic service
- Healing words of president a balm to the brokenhearted
- Loughner's contacts with cops
- Memorial fund will honor shooting victim
- Enjoy the journey: Tragedies 40 years apart have same chilling effect
- Found bag containing ammo linked to Tucson shooting suspect
- Calif. judge will handle Loughner's federal case
- Church gives up protest plans, gets radio airtime
- Lawmaker carrying her gun into Senate
- Odd antics at PCC viewed with growing alarm
- UA law college scholarship set up in Roll's name
- Editorial: Obama implores us to open our eyes
- Christina-Taylor liked sports, music, public service
- Fitz: A nation grieves
Jan. 14, 2011
- Hundreds attend Judge Roll's funeral
- Thousands mourn youngest who died
- 'Angels,' bikers help protect girl's funeral
- Giffords making 'all the right moves'
- Reluctant hero can finally sleep
- Safeway starts fund to aid shooting victims
- Vigils for victims of shootings
- Volunteers help city try to heal, one bell at a time
- 2 funds set up in memory of aide
- Shooting victim Barber visits UMC memorial
- Audio: 911 calls about the shooting spree
- Audio: sheriff's radio traffic after Giffords shooting
- Bill would restrict high-load magazines
- Deputies release items found on Loughner after shooting
- Bill would ban gun magazines with more than 10 rounds
- Monks craft a custom casket for Christina
- Retiree shot in the arm he used to shield wife's head from bullets
- Safeway establishes fund for Tucson shooting victims
- Updated: Memorial funds, benefits and hotlines for victims and their families
- Obama's remarks hailed
- Roll was dedicated to family, faith and the law; funeral Mass today
- Editorial: Stop for a moment, before you say it
- This is a time to unify,make peace, build bridges
- Fitz: In memory
Jan. 15, 2011
- Expert: Loughner fit bill for evaluation
- Safeway store, site of mass shooting, reopens
- Funeral Sunday
- Giffords makes 'encouraging' progress
- Loughner's friends, teachers tell of descent into madness
- NBC anchor Williams' 'indelible images' of Tucson
- Roll is laid to rest: 'Papa is in heaven'
- Sheriff's timeline shows Loughner's moves before shootings
- Survivors recall details of shooting
- Over a dozen local officials pledge to quit political vitriol
- Shot twice, Giffords aide stays upbeat
- Arizona allows adults to get court-ordered psychiatric help for anyone
- Eyewitness accounts of wounded victims
- Gunshot victim drove himself to the hospital
- Loughner's activities day of shooting released
- Transcript of Loughner's Sept. 23 video
- Editorial: Get well soon , Gabby: We need your quiet, moderate voice more than ever
- Fitz: Sheriff Dupnik
- Phyllis Schneck, devoted to her family and church
Jan. 16, 2011
- Aide arrived early to make sure event was set to go
- Brewer, key leaders see no reason to curb high-capacity ammo clips
- Busy retiree used free day to meet rep she admired
- Concerned pair had some questions for their US rep
- He wanted to say thanks to Giffords for border work
- Here's short look at some of those who were wounded in the attack
- Josh Brodesky: 3 of the slain had less notice but were loved dearly as well
- Jurist went by to greet, thank his old friend Gabby
- Man who helped restrain Loughner carried a gun
- Memorial funds set up for victims and families
- One awful instant
- Paramedic: 'It was chaos ... my mind went blank'
- Safeway reopens with silent moment
- Schneck's life of service recalled
- Shooting victim held in alleged threat at forum
- The Scoop: They all came: Brian Williams, Katie Couric, etc.
- Third-grader started day snuggling with mom
- Those at the scene share stories
- Political notebook: On edges of tragedy, a ring tone sounds right note
- Neto's Tucson: Even as a child, Daniel Hernandez was calm, poised
- Editorial: After tragedy, let kids know: 'We're in this together'
- Mental-health care is the true insanity
- Public mood has always played a role in violence
- Readers share thoughts about gun control, mental illness, a gentler world
- Fitz: Again and again and again
- Dorwan 'Dory' Stoddard lent skills to those in need
Jan. 17, 2011
Jan. 18, 2011
Jan. 19, 2011
- Kelly: Giffords' commitment is unshakable
- Shrines pop up across city in colorful displays of caring
- Giffords worker relives day of shooting
- Giffords will move to Houston rehab hospital, likely on Friday
- Giffords' husband: She'll return to Congress 'stronger, more committed'
- Loughner indicted on charges of trying to kill Giffords, two aides
- Pima Sheriff's official: Video shows Giffords shot in face
- Fitz: What Arizona can afford
Jan. 20, 2011
Jan. 21, 2011
Jan. 22, 2011
Jan. 23, 2011
Jan. 27, 2011