At least 12 people have been killed and at least 38 more have been shot in an Aurora, Colorado movie theater, according to Colorado police agencies. One suspect, 24-year-old James Holmes, is in custody. Holmes is said to be a native of Aurora.
According to eye witness' statements, Holmes entered the Aurora theater just after midnight where the new Batman movie Dark Knight was premiering. He was dressed in full military regalia, including a helmet, camouflaged fatigues, a gas mask, kevlar bullet-proof vests. He was armed with at least a rifle, perhaps a shotgun, a handgun, and smoke bombs.
One witness said that she saw Holmes enter the theater but was not particularly alarmed by his dress or demeanor because the movie itself was said to contain scenes of violence involving similarly dressed characters.
The suspect walked into the theater and shot once into the theater ceiling, then threw several smoke bombs throughout the crowd. People at first believed that what they were witnessing was the enactment of “special effects” associated with the film. He then lowered his weapon and began firing, randomly, at anyone and everyone within his sight lines.
At that point, as theater-goers realized that this was a real and not a staged event, chaos broke out with masses of people breaking for the exits. Those who came anywhere near Holmes was shot, including a three-month old baby. One witness said the shooter moved around and actually chased victims, shooting them at point-blank range.
The shooting took place at the Century Theater in Theater No. 9. Some bullets penetrated the walls of Theater No. 9 and wounded people in the adjoining Theater No. 8.
At this writing, police in Aurora are reporting that they are unable to search Holmes' apartment because it its "booby-trapped." The apartment complex and most of the surrounding neighborhood has been evacuated as police attempt to disarm any bombs or traps in the apartment and still preserve evidence.
Warner Bros. canceled its Paris premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises" on Friday following the deadly shooting at an Aurora, Colo., screening of the Christopher Nolan-directed Batman movie. The studio issued a statement early Friday saying: "Warner Bros. is deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones.”
The mass shooting occurred about 30 minutes from Columbine High School, where students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold went on a shooting spree at Columbine High School in April 1999, killing 13 people and wounding more than 20 others before committing suicide.
After cutting short his campaign schedule, President Obama spoke to a crowd of supporters in Florida about the tragedy in Colorado. He called led a moment of silence and called for prayers for the victims families. He said that he had spoken with both the mayor of Aurora and the governor of Colorado. He has vowed the federal government's support for those families and law enforcement agencies.
RESOURCES:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872 396390444464304577538292604705890.html?m od=googlenews_wsj
http://www.ktul.com/story/19071503/mass- shooting-at-colorado-movie-theater-leave s-10-dead
