Crime & Safety

Are We Safe Anywhere? Gunman Kills 12 at Colorado Midnight Showing of 'Dark Knight'

The news of a 24-year-old allegedly setting off a gas bomb and firing into the movie shown in Aurora, CO is shock and saddens the nation.

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."

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The shooting spree left 12 dead and at least 50 injured.

A San Diego woman has contacted police saying Holmes is her son.

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.