Audience members of a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises” were attacked early Friday morning when a man in his twenties opened fire in the theater. In total, 12 audience members were killed and dozens more were injured.
The gunman, according to reports, walked into the theater during the showing of the movie wearing a bulletproof vest, gas mask, and wielding guns and smoke bombs.
He reportedly threw the smoke bomb into the crowd and began firing away as he walked up and down the aisles. He even reportedly shot at audience members who tried to escape.
James Holmes, 24, is believed to be the gunman and was later arrested in the parking lot and remains in custody.
According to CBS, a source said police recovered four guns at the theater, including two pistols, a rifle and a shotgun.
His apartment is reportedly being searched for clues to why he opened fire in the Colorado movie theater. Investigators are also searching his residence for weapons and possible explosives, according to reports. Police reportedly found none in his car following a search.
Surviving victims of the shooting were rushed to the hospital where they remain in various conditions. “We do have an 18-year-old man, who is in fair condition,” a hospital spokeswoman told Today. She went on to explain other victims were in critical condition and said that “Three that came in initially, were all gunshot victims.”
After the incident, Warner Bros. canceled a premiere of the movie tonight in France and issued a statement: “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,” according to TMZ.
Check it out.
