Update:
The number of victims has reportedly been revised downward.
BREAKING — Aurora, Colorado police official tells MSNBC death toll has been revised down to 12
— Michael van Poppel (@mpoppel) July 20, 2012
UPDATE: Aurora police now say 12 dead, 38 injured in mass shooting, KMGH-TV reports
— Michael van Poppel (@mpoppel) July 20, 2012
Scroll to the end for more updates.
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Fourteen Twelve people are dead and 50 more sustained injuries when a masked gunman opened fire during the premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises” at the Century 16 Movie Theaters in Aurora, Colo.
14 dead. 50 injured. Spilled popcorn scattered outside the theater… Heartbreaking image from this tragedy: http://t.co/4xhUWD5R
— Amanda Kost (@AmandaKost) July 20, 2012
PHOTO outside #Century16 right after mass shooting at #DarkKnight in Aurora pic.twitter.com/3dtDLKNG
— 7NewsNOW KMGH-TV (@7NewsNOW) July 20, 2012
Shooting in aurora movies people shot: http://t.co/zL6wColt via @youtube
| Video from the lobby @AuroraShooting— Lee Stranahan (@stranahan) July 20, 2012
A still from that video of an injured man: (warning: graphic) #TheaterShooting pic.twitter.com/juTMARoq
— Marc Ambinder (@marcambinder) July 20, 2012
You can follow the latest news using the Twitter hashtags #theatershooting, #aurorashooting, #coloradoshooting and #CoShooting.
Despite initial reports of more than one gunman, police believe just one shooter carried out the attack.
The identity of the suspect has not immediately been released. "We do no have evidence of a second gunman," police say. #theatershooting
— Phil Han (@PhilCNBC) July 20, 2012
A 24-year-old suspect is in custody.
Aurora police tell us they recovered a rifle and 2 other guns from suspect…an adult male in his early 20's
— John Berman (@JohnBerman) July 20, 2012
Shooter armed with multiple guns and explosives according to @9news live. #aurora #colorado
— Martin Flood (@Martin_Flood) July 20, 2012
Explosives found at the home of the suspect who shot dozens of moviegoers -local media
— Al Boe (@AlBoeNEWS) July 20, 2012
Gunman may have one gun stashed inside the theater. – FOX News via @TimWilliamsPDX
— Al Boe (@AlBoeNEWS) July 20, 2012
Local Media reporting that suspect's car has Tennessee license plates.
— Al Boe (@AlBoeNEWS) July 20, 2012
Shooter wore gas mask and costume in #aurorashooting. #news
— jaye11alive (@jayewatson) July 20, 2012
Local hospital in Aurora tells us they are being treated for tear gas…police tell us a gas or smoke device was used
— John Berman (@JohnBerman) July 20, 2012
Federal law enforcement source: #Theatershooting suspect used at least 3 guns: one rifle (AK type), 2 handguns. Also used tear gas
— Ram Ramgopal (@RamCNN) July 20, 2012
More on this nightmarish scene in Colorado:
Children's Hospital, 6 victims, ages 6 to 31. #Theatershooting
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) July 20, 2012
https://twitter.com/seanmhair/status/226273540087885824
Witness tells KUSA moviegoers were running out of the theater covered in blood
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
KDVR reporter: Witness said bullets were "coming through the walls" in theater attack
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
Witnesses say gunmen fired at random into audience, did not appear to be targeting certain individuals – @justinjoseph
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
Witness tells KUSA the gunman appeared to be shooting with AR-15 semi-automatic rifle via @passantino
— Al Boe (@AlBoeNEWS) July 20, 2012
Witness tells local media that he saw a "little girl" with bullet wounds in her back.
— Al Boe (@AlBoeNEWS) July 20, 2012
Aurora Police chief says there is no evidence of a second shooter.
— Al Boe (@AlBoeNEWS) July 20, 2012
He had gas mask, armor .. I was just worried about getting out .. I just started running – Witness to #AuroraShooting #TheaterShooting
— Erik Soderstrom (@soderstrom) July 20, 2012
Witnesses: Aurora gunman tossed two tear gas canisters in theater, was silent and calm before opening fire
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
Photos from the scene of the Aurora theater shooting – @denverpost http://t.co/fZQtPvbp
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
@soderstrom They have reported that the mall search for explosives is almost over, suspects car is concern for keeping back #AuroraShooting
— Braden Frame (@bradenframe) July 20, 2012
Police confirm that no explosives were found in the suspect’s vehicle.
No explosives found in Aurora suspect's car – NBC
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
Earlier reports of a national security threat appear to be false.
Re: @skynews report about FBI possibly raising the national security level … Not a “level” and the FBI isn’t in charge of such things.
— Marc Ambinder (@marcambinder) July 20, 2012
Tweets from moviegoers who witnessed the massacre and its aftermath:
Have just evacuated our theater in Aurora. There was a shooting in our auditorium. I am safe
— Zach Eastman (@ImAZachEastman) July 20, 2012
https://twitter.com/ZachEtake38/status/226225841842028544
https://twitter.com/B_Dozier/status/226210574592258048
https://twitter.com/B_Dozier/status/226217600672231424
https://twitter.com/B_Dozier/status/226248814523203584
https://twitter.com/B_Dozier/status/226263228462817280
https://twitter.com/Romey_24/status/226208456439390209
https://twitter.com/Romey_24/status/226265959474819072
https://twitter.com/Romey_24/status/226267471835955200
There was a shooting at century 16 aurora about 30 minutes into the movie. Its crazy.
— Isaac J Ramos (@IsaacJRamos) July 20, 2012
Different things are flying around but we know that shots were fired.
— Isaac J Ramos (@IsaacJRamos) July 20, 2012
https://twitter.com/JME817/status/226214858520150016
https://twitter.com/JME817/status/226221775078432769
https://twitter.com/JME817/status/226243285956558848
Shots fired in the theater. #batman #aurora #colorado
— Caitlin (@dingos8myTARDIS) July 20, 2012
@LustInLove Yes. It was my theater. I'm outside, one of my friends is still inside. No one knows what's going on.
— Caitlin (@dingos8myTARDIS) July 20, 2012
Oh God, I don't know what to do.
— Caitlin (@dingos8myTARDIS) July 20, 2012
Everybody please pray for my friend Alex.
— Caitlin (@dingos8myTARDIS) July 20, 2012
San Antonio reporter Natalie Tejeda identified her friend Jessica Ghawi as one of the victims.
My friend Jessica Ghawi was killed in the #Aurora Shooting-she was an aspiring sportscaster-she will be missed http://t.co/cnUesuoP
— Natalie Tejeda (@NatalieTejeda) July 20, 2012
@DerekOfferman it was her family who broke the news
— Natalie Tejeda (@NatalieTejeda) July 20, 2012
President Obama was notified of the shooting early this morning.
At 3:26 a.m., POTUS was notified of the #theatershooting in #Aurora by homeland security adviser John Brennan.
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) July 20, 2012
He has released a statement.
President Obama releases statement on Aurora shooting
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
President Obama: "Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado"
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
President Obama: "As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family"
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
President Obama: "My Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time."
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
President Obama: "We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice"
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
President Obama: "All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends"
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
Twitchy will monitor this news and update as we receive more information.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this horrible tragedy.
Update:
The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old James Holmes.
Two federal officials, from different agencies: Shooting suspect is James Holmes, born December 13, 1987 — NBC's Pete Williams
— Jason White (@jason_w_white) July 20, 2012
NBC's Pete Williams has the Aurora suspect's name: James Holmes, born 12/13/87
— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) July 20, 2012
GMA identifying suspect as James Holmes, 24. He's from southern California according to their records. It's believed he acted alone.
— abc27 WHTM (@abc27News) July 20, 2012
Suspect James Holmes has no known connection to terrorism, looking like lone wolf scenario reports @PierreTABC
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 20, 2012
Suspect in Aurora Shooting is White male, James Holmes, 24 year old, who has no previous record.
— Global Grind News (@GlobalGrindNews) July 20, 2012
Update, 8:30 a.m. EDT:
Police confirm one of the witness’ fears: a pregnant woman was among the victims.
Aurora #TheaterShooting latest: Pregnant woman among victims. Continue to the link for live updates, video/pics/audio http://t.co/0dtql0cJ
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) July 20, 2012
She was shot in the chest and her condition is unknown at this time.
More on the investigation:
"Buckets of ammunition" found inside Aurora suspect James Holmes' apartment – @CBSNews
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 20, 2012
Update: Warner Brothers has released its statement on the tragedy:
#theatershooting Aurora
Warner Bros: "We extend our sincere sympathies to the families of loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."— Mitch Jelniker (@MitchJelniker) July 20, 2012
Mitt Romney has also released a statement, via his website:
“Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.”
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she’s saddened by the shooting and offers her support to the investigation:
I am deeply saddened by the terrible shooting in Aurora, Colorado. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies continue to respond to this horrific event, and I have directed the Department of Homeland Security to provide any support necessary in the ongoing investigation.
We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. Our hearts and prayers go out to anyone impacted by this tragedy, especially the family and friends of those killed or injured.
Update, 10:32 a.m. EDT:
The Denver Post tweeted out a picture of Alex Sullivan, 27, whose father can’t get a hold of him:
RT @kurtisalee: Alex Sullivan, 27. Dad can't get hold of him. Has anyone seen him? #theatershooting http://t.co/tWBsc45E
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) July 20, 2012
Update, 10:52 a.m. EDT:
Obama addressed the nation regarding the shooting:
"We may never understand what leads someone to terrorize their neighbors like this."- President Obama #theatershooting
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 20, 2012
Obama on #theatershooting: "For those parents who may not be so lucky…we will be there for them as a nation." Says not a day for politics.
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) July 20, 2012
President @BarackObama call this “a day for prayers and reflection” and calls for a moment of silence after #theatershooting.
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsBayArea) July 20, 2012
Update: 11:00 a.m. EDT:
Police Chief: suspect's apt is boobie-trapped with flammable or explosive items "very sophisticated" setup. #theatershooting
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) July 20, 2012
Update: 11:31 a.m. EDT:
#BREAKING: “Dark Knight” shooting suspect was U. of Colorado Medical student but withdrew last month: AP #theatershooting
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) July 20, 2012
Update: 11:43 a.m. EDT:
The Pentagon confirms members of the military were either injured or killed in the #theatershooting
— CBSDenver (@CBSDenver) July 20, 2012
Around noon EDT, a photo of the suspect was released:
Photo of James Holmes #theatershooting http://t.co/mDdd1cnf
— ♥︎ (@yurivictor) July 20, 2012
