Mass mayhem broke out about 30 minutes into a midnight showing of the Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. The alledged shooter, now identified as James Holmes, 24, reportedly entered the movie theatre through an emergency exit wearing a gas mask.
According to Good Morning America, "Holmes stalked the aisles of the theater, shooting people at random, as panicked movie-watchers in the packed auditorium tried to escape, witnesses said."
One witness told ABC News, "You just smelled smoke and you just kept hearing it, you just heard bam bam bam, non-stop. The gunman never had to reload. Shots just kept going, kept going, kept going."
The shooting spree left 12 dead and at least 50 injured.
A San Diego woman has contacted police saying Holmes is her son.
Editor's Note: Patch is heading to the mother's home and will have more information on the alledged shooter's local connection soon.
Do you think we are safe anywhere? What could anyone do in a situation like this avoid death or injury? Tell us your thoughts and reactions to this news in the comments section below.
