Early Friday, a heavily armed gunman walked into a crowded theater during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado.
Many witnesses have expressed that they believed it to be part of the movie, as the suspect (indentified as James Holmes, 24) entered the theater in all black, wearing a gas mask and body armour. He tossed tear gas before he began shooting, killing 12 and injuring 38 more, according to most recent reports.
The shooter used at least four guns — an “AK type” rifle, a shotgun and two handguns, a federal law enforcement official told CNN. The source also said the shooter used tear gas. Police initially said 14 people had died — 10 in the theater and four at area hospitals, but revised the death toll to 12 later Friday morning, according to Aurora Police Lt. Jad Lanigan.
President Obama released the following statement.
“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.”
It’s saddening to think of the innocent lives lost, and everyone affected - all while going out to see a movie for enjoyment.