In shocking news, it is being reported that 14 cinema-goers have been killed at a midnight screening of this week’s big release THE DARK KNIGHT RISES in Denver, Colorado. 50 additional people were reportedly injured when a masked gunman burst into the auditorium at the Century 16 cinema complex in Aurora at around 12.30 local time this morning.
A witness told CNN:
“We heard anywhere from 10 to 20 shots and little explosions going on. Shortly after that we heard people screaming. Then they came on PA system and said everyone needed to get out.
“As soon as we got out, there were people running around and screaming.”
The witness, Hayden Miller added:
“As soon as we heard shots go off we figured it must be a louder part of the movie next to us. Nobody thought anything of it then 30 seconds later…
“As soon as they evacuated us we were hearing from friends inside Theatre 9 that he was wearing a gas mask and throwing tears gas at people. He wasn’t trying to let anyone out.
“We saw a couple of people hunched over leaving the theatre and ambulances were filled but they weren’t moving they were not going anywhere.”
The full details of the incident are still to be revealed, but the gunman, said to be 24 years old, has been taken into custody and is undergoing questioning.
President Barack Obama released the following statement shortly afterwards:
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 we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time.
The incident casts a huge shadow over the release of the film, the third in the popular series, which was released around the world today.
THN’s thoughts go out to those involved and their families.
