Midnight was the opening for The Dark Knight Rises. It's being called many things. A magnum opus, monolithic, massive, amazing, and it's even garnering Oscar buzz. Families gathered their children and friends met up to see the amazing film. I intend on doing the same and maybe you do too. However, in Aurora, Colorado, some lunatic with a gun wanted to ruin the event.
It's breaking the news right now and will most likely be the story of the weekend. At this moment, 14 are confirmed dead and 50 injured in a pointless act of violence. The gunman has been taken into custody and the authorities are searching his home right now. More will be revealed later today and everybody will be paying attention.
It's sad that you can't even go to a damned movie anymore without some crazed nut-job shooting up the place. The economy is tough and life is tougher. An $8 or $10 movie ticket to an amazing film is supposed to be an escape. It's supposed to be a way for people to let go of their problems for a while. Even if it's only two hours or more. It's supposed to be fun, not tragic. While any pointless act of violence is disgraceful, the ones that happen in places where people are supposed to have fun bother me the most. Nowhere is safe.
I'm sure that other bloggers will speculate the motive behind this shooting. It's their right to do so. I however will wait until more details come forward so I can effectively discuss it. My thoughts are with the victims of this senseless crime and I am glad the police captured the gunman alive. I am interested to hear why he did what he did. I am still going to see the film and I will still enjoy it, but this has left an unnecessary stain on the film for no reason at all.
The people of Aurora, CO. are in my thoughts tonight and I am sure you feel the same way.
3:42 AM PT: I'm watching CNN and I just heard one of the anchors state that the suspect is a 24 year old white male. I still haven't seen a picture of the suspect yet and I am still waiting for the police to release more information.
4:27 AM PT: According to foxnews.com, the death toll is now at 15. CNN is still reporting it at 14, as are other news outlets.
4:57 AM PT: CBS News is reporting the statements on the tragedy by President Obama and Governor Romney.
President Obama: "Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come."
Governor Romney: "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."
5:17 AM PT: ABC News, Fox News, and other media outlets are reporting now that the suspect's name is James Holmes.
5:21 AM PT: Media outlets are also reporting that the death toll has been reduced to 12. While 12 is still a tremendous loss, at least two other victims are alright at the moment.
5:43 AM PT: CNN is now reporting that the number of wounded is now at 38 instead of the initial 50 that was widely reported.
1:09 PM PT: At this moment, no motive is known for the shooting in Aurora, Colorado.
2:18 PM PT: The parents of suspected gunman James Holmes have released a statement.
"Our hearts go out to those who were involved in this tragedy and to the families and friends of those involved. We ask that the media respect our privacy during this difficult time. Our family is cooperating with authorities in both San Diego, California and Aurora, Colorado. We are still trying to process this information and we appreciate that people will respect our privacy."
2:26 PM PT: Reports show that the guns purchased by James Holmes were purchased legally.
2:31 PM PT: The Bass Pro Shop where the gunman purchased some of the guns released a statement.
"“Based on the records we have reviewed, personnel in our Denver store correctly and fully followed all Federal requirements with respect to the sale of one shotgun and one handgun to the individual identified in this incident. Background checks, as required by Federal law, were properly conducted, and he was approved. We want to offer our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. This is an unspeakable tragedy, and we join with all Americans in offering our prayerful support.”
2:39 PM PT: A law enforcement source informed CNN that the shooter told them that he had colored his hair red and that he was "The Joker."
3:53 PM PT: Reuters reports that the police in Aurora, Colorado intend on using a robot to detonate the booby-trapped house due to the fact that it is so extensively booby-trapped, it is unsafe for the police to do so manually.