Shooter Kills 12 During “Dark Knight Rises” Premiere
A gunman opened fire on moviegoers during a “Dark Knight Rises” midnight showing in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 and reportedly injuring over 50.
The suspect is in custody.
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Witnesses say the shooter, identified as 24-year-old James Holmes, entered through an emergency exit of Century 16’s No. 9 theater room screening the film “The Dark Knight Rises” and released tear gas before opening fire.
Described as wearing a riot helmet, gas mask, bullet proof vest and decked all in black, spectators initially believed the gunman to be part of the show as he quietly made his way toward the front of the theater. He then threw two canisters across the room and started shooting, witnesses say.
Reported to be armed with an AR-15 assault rifle, a shotgun and two handguns, the gunman started picking off panicked victims struggling to escape the theater, which was made more difficult by the gas. Bullets pierced the wall and also injured a few moviegoers in the adjacent No. 8 theater.
Holmes, believed to be acting alone, was reportedly found in the parking lot after the shooting and did not resist arrest. Police is now attempting to search the suspect’s apartment, said to be booby trapped with explosives.
No motive for the crime has been reported as of yet.
