Federal authorities have identified a gunman who opened fire at a Colorado screening of The Dark Knight Rises as 24-year-old James Holmes.
Twelve people have been reported dead and at least 38 injured after Holmes allegedly stormed a midnight screening of the film at a mall in the Denver suburb of Aurora, set off a smoke bomb, and went on a shooting rampage. It’s been reported that the gunman was wearing a bulletproof vest and carried a rifle, handgun and knife. Another gun was purportedly recovered at the theater.
Ten were killed at the scene, and the others died at local hospitals, according to local police. The tragedy has boosted security at screenings of the movie, and in New York, the NYPD plans to beef up security measures at local theaters. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said in a statement that the reinforced efforts are “a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the wake of the horrendous shooting in Colorado.”
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. has canceled all media interviews and promotional appearances with the cast, as the film heads into its highly anticipated opening weekend. They’ve issued this statement: “Warner Bros. and the filmmakers are 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 has been canceled, as well. It was set to have taken place Friday night and include director Christopher Nolan, as well as stars Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Morgan Freeman.
Stars took to Twitter to express sympathy and horror, including @ChrisEvans, who played Captain America in Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers.
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It’s just such a huge tragedy. The Dark Knight Rises has been highly anticipated for years, really, and it’s so sad to have such a horror connected with both this film and the movie industry. People go into a movie theater to escape and have fun. They don’t go in expecting to die or be seriously injured. Will we need to go through metal detectors to see a movie now?
Will you see The Dark Knight Rises? Does this tragedy make you more hesitant to go to the movies?
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