The Dark Knight Rises Shooting Creates Massacre At Midnight In Colorado

Suspected gunman James Holmes (24) was arrested last night near a car behind a theatre in Aurora, Colorado. When taken into custody he was found wielding a knife, rifle, and handgun. Another gun was later found in the theatre.

Colorado woke to its worst mass shooting last night since the Columbine massacre in April of 1999, which took place only 15 miles from the Aurora theatre.

At the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises the gunman at least 12 people were killed and 50 wounded by suspect James Holmes who released tear gas into the theatre and began firing randomly at cinema goers.

The gunman entered the theatre through a side exit dressed in black, wearing a flack jacket and carrying his weapons at about 12:30am. Eyewitnesses had assumed he was a special effect associate, arranged by the theatre in regards to the Batman film. The film had reached a dramatic climax with Anne Hathaway in a shoot out when the gunman flung the gas canister into the air over the audience. The audience believed it was a clever stunt as the fumes spread through the auditorium. Then he began shooting. He started firing at the back of the room, then at random individuals who attempted to escape down the isles.

Among those caught in the attack were a three-month-old baby who was treated and released, a six year old child and people from 16-31. They were treated for wounds and exposure to noxious fumes.

When the shooter was arrested outside the theatre he was found to be wearing a bulletproof vest, and reports of a gas-mask as well. “He did not resist, he did not put up a fight,” says police spokesperson Frank Fania in reaction to the arrest.

President Obama was informed of the shooting in the early hours of the morning, and in his statement at in Palm Beach Florida, where he was scheduled to campaign today, added to his condolences: “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.”

Colorado Shooting at The Dark Knight Rises Movie Premiere

At least 12 are dead and 20 injured after a mass shooting at an Aurora, Colo. movie theater.

The Dark Knight Rises Shooting Aurora, CO

Aurora, Colorado Mass Shooting at Movie Theater (RAW VIDEO)

One moviegoer is seen leaving the Colorado theater covered in blood. Raw cellphone video from the shooting.