According to the Denver Post, at least 12 people are dead and 50 injured after a gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises.”
The incident took place around 12:30 a.m. at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colo.
The shooting is the deadliest in U.S. history since the Virginia Tech campus shooting in 2007.
The gunman has been identified as James Holmes, 24, and taken into custody.
The Associated Press reported that Holmes withdrew from the University of Colorado’s medical school last month.
Police do not believe there are any additional suspects at this time.
Witnesses said the gunman walked into the theater wearing a gas mask and bulletproof vest and then released canisters of tear gas before opening fire.
Movie patrons described the scene as chaotic and horrific, reporting there were people covered in blood, injured and screaming.
They also said the gunman walked through the aisles firing shots and targeted people who were trying to escape the theater.
Victims of the shooting were rushed to at least six hospitals and hundreds of possible witnesses were taken to Gateway High School for questioning by the police.
Victims were treated for injuries ranging from minor to severe. They also varied in age, witnesses said some were children and teenagers.
The youngest victim is a 3-month old infant who has since been released from the hospital.
According to CNN, Holmes was arrested at the theater.
Police spokesman, Frank Fania, told CNN Holmes did not resist arrest.
“He did not resist. He did not put up a fight,” Fania said.
The suspect had a rifle and a handgun at the time of his arrest and another gun was found in the theater, he said.
Police evacuated the area surrounding Holmes’ Denver apartment this morning as a precautionary measure.
Aurora Police Chief, Dan Oates, said Holmes’ apartment is booby trapped with “very sophisticated” explosive devices.
Emergency crews are trying to carefully gain entry to Holmes’ apartment.
The incident is under investigation by two federal law enforcement agencies.
Holmes is expected to appear in court on Monday.
President Obama addressed the shooting at the Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, Fl. this morning.
He was expected to hold a campaign rally but spoke only about the shooting.
“I am moved by your support, but there are other days for politics,” he said. “If there is anything to take away from this tragedy it’s a reminder that life is precious.”
Obama also encouraged families to embrace their loved ones in light of the tragedy.
“I am sure that many of you that are parents here had the same reaction I did when I heard this news: My daughters go to the movies. What if Malia and Sasha had been at the theater,” he said. “Michelle and I will be fortunate to hug our girls a little tighter tonight.”
Mississippi Congressman Steven Palazzo released a statement via Twitter addressing the shooting.
“Saddened by the news of the terrible tragedy in Colorado. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said.
The Paris premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises” has been canceled as a result of the incident.
Warner Brothers studio released a statement this morning in response to the events in Colorado.
“Warner Bros. is 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.”
