Gunman Opens Fire at Midnight Showing of “The Dark Knight Rises”: 12 Dead, 50 Wounded
A gunmen wearing a gas mask opened fired on a packed theater of moviegoers at a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 and injuring 50 people.
The gunmen first set off some type of gas before opening fire on the crowd. He wore a bulletproof vest, and was carrying a knife, rifle, and handgun.
Initially, people thought the spectacle was supposed to be a part of the experience (the film’s main villain, Bane, wears a gas mask). But they quickly realized it was not, and absolute pandemonium soon followed.
“‘I told my friend `we’ve got to get out of here,’ but then he shot people trying to go out the exits,’ Jennifer Seeger told NBC’s “Today.” She said the shooter made his way up the aisle, firing as he went, saying nothing.
Federal law enforcement officials identified the suspect as James Holmes, a 24-year-old American.
Holmes is in police custody, and the FBI says there is no indication that incident is tied to any terrorist groups.
The federal law enforcement officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation
Some of those injured are children, including a 3-month-old infant who was shot.”
President Obama has released the following statement on the shooting:
“Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this senseless act of violence..
What do you make of this horrific event?
Sound off below!