Update/Correction: Reports now saying 12 dead. Let's hope there are no more. I've corrected the headline.
Update: Federal officials have apprehended a suspect. See below.
More updates below.
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Tragic news from Aurora, Colorado:
A heavily armed gunman killed at least 14 people and wounded 50 more during an early Friday morning screening of the new Batman movie at an Aurora, Colorado, theater, police Chief Dan Oates told reporters.The Denver Post reports that the man was wearing a gas mask, released some kind of gas and then opened fire:
Police arrested a man believed to be the shooter in a rear parking lot of the theater, Frank Fania, a police spokesman, told CNN. The suspect was not immediately identified, though Fania said he was believed to be in his early 20s.
"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.
Witnesses said gunman wore a gas mask and was clad in black.Sounds like the police were on the scene as it happened, or very shortly after it started.
"Witnesses tell us he released some sort of canister." Oates said. "They heard a hissing sound and some gas emerged and the gunman opened fire."
A witness, Benjamin Fernandez, 30, said he was watching the movie when he heard a series of explosions. He said that people ran from the theater and there were gunshots as police shouted 'get down!"
This was only 13 miles from the Columbine High School.
Update: It appears they caught the killer:
A suspect was apprehended in the shopping center's parking lot, Oates said. He was named as 24-year-old James Holmes, two federal officials from different agencies told NBC News.Update: Huffington Post has the tweets of people inside the theater as it happened. There is also cell-phone video of the scene on Youtube.
CNN is reporting that the number of wounded has been revised down to 38.
Update: Some people can't resist the urge to make this political.
Hey Mr. Bloomberg, why don't we find out exactly how and why this happened before we start the gun control debate over again?
Update: More on James Holmes:
Law enforcement officials and witnesses told ABC News Holmes, 24, wore what appeared to be a bullet-proof vest and riot-type mask as he opened fire...Update: Eye-witnesses give their account:
A San Diego woman who identified herself as James Holmes' mother told ABC News she had awoken unaware of the shooting and had not yet been contacted by authorities. She immediately expressed concern that her son may have been involved.
"You have the right person," she said, apparently speaking on gut instinct. "I need to call the police... I need to fly out to Colorado."
...the suspect reportedly told police he had explosives inside.
Update: Warner Bros. has issued a statement on the shooting:
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.The Paris premiere of the new Batman movie has been canceled, and at New York theaters the NYPD has increased security.
Update: The suspect, James Holmes:
All further updates will be in a new post.
