A masked gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises early Friday morning, injuring more than 50 people and killing 12 in Aurora, CO.
Witnesses say the man tossed several canisters of tear gas, before opening fire on the crowd of confused moviegoers, who believed the effects were a part of the show.
Police arrested a man believed to be the shooter in a rear parking lot of the theater, Frank Fania, a police spokesman, told CNN.Police arrested a man believed to be the shooter in a rear parking lot of the theater, Frank Fania, a police spokesman, told CNN.Police arrested a man believed to be the shooter in a rear parking lot of the theater, Frank Fania, a police spokesman, told CNN.Police arrested a man believed to be the shooter in a rear parking lot of the theater, Frank Fania, a police spokesman, told CNN.Police arrested a man believed to be the shooter in a rear parking lot of the theater shortly after the shooting, Frank Fania, a police spokesman, told CNN. The suspect has been identified as 24 year old James Holmes.
"He did not resist. He did not put up a fight," Fania said. Police seized a rifle and a handgun from the suspect, and another gun was found in the theater, he said.
According to the Denver Post, police say the suspect appeared at the front of the theater, having entered through an emergency exit less than 10 minutes into the film. He then threw a smoke bomb, later identified as tear gas, and opened fire.
"The smoke smelled like a Fourth of July firework," said CNN iReporter Adam Witt. "It took a few gunshots before I figured out what was going on."
"There were so many people running," he said. "I didn't look back. I just remember getting up from the floor and shouting, 'We have to run.'"
Witt said he held his wife's hand as they rushed out of the theater.
"There was a moment where I lost her hand, but I grabbed her shirt," he said. "We didn't let go of each other."
10 people died at the scene, while 2 others were reported dead at the hospital.
President Obama addressed the shooting from Ft. Myers, Fla., Friday morning.
"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," Obama said. "We never understand what leads someone to terrorize their fellow human beings like this," he continued. "Life is very fragile and it is precious."
Warner Bros., the studio behind the film, canceled its premiere in Paris and released a statement in the wake of this crime: "Warner Bros. is deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."
Dallas-based Cinemark owns the Century 16 multiplex in Aurora, Colo., where the shooting took place. Chief Executive Timothy Warner gave a brief statement, saying: "Cinemark’s thoughts and prayers and focus are on the family, victims, and employees in Aurora, Colo."
Check back often as we will continue to have updates as this story continues to develop. In the mean time, check out some of the eye witness video and pictures to your left.
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