Our heart pours for everyone involved in the tragic massacre that shocked the nation Friday morning.
When chaos began on the midnight screen of a Colorado showing of Dark Knight Rises, James Holmes allegedly walked into the theater through a back-exit door to start his own twisted frenzy.
Hidden by a gas-mask and all black, Holmes unleashed canisters that released a billowy cloud of smoke throughout the auditorium. Immediately but calmly, he began shooting rounds and rounds of ammunition while the terrified movie-goers tried to escape as quickly as they could.
71 were shot, 12 were killed. Eleven remain in critical condition.
Shortly after the news broke the headlines, a video of the aftermath was released — showing screams, police officers, and a man drenched in blood limping out of the theater.
Warner Bros. quickly decided to cancel the Paris premiere of the film. Soon after, they pulled a gruesome Gangster Squad trailer from all upcoming showings of DKR.
While witnesses were giving their accounts of their horrific event, President Obama and celebrities were releasing their statements as well.
Soon, everyone wanted to know more about the shooting suspect. Why did he do this and why was his apartment booby-trapped? The FBI were involved by this point and speaking on the investigation.
Quickly after that, Obama addressed the nation. Mitt Romney also had something to say.
Cautious of copycats, Los Angeles and New York police departments increased security at theaters showing the film while releasing statements on the situation as well.
Photos of James made their way throughout the internet. Many were shocked to learn the suspected shooter was a PhD student. Others were not. But everyone was a little surprised when a supposed sex site profile page of James was spread around with the headline reading, “Will you visit me in prison?”
This man had allegedly been behind the country’s largest shooting spree.
One of the 12 lives lost was that of Jessica Redfield. She garnered national attention after escaping the June 2nd shooting in Toronto. She is remembered through her blog.
Fortunately, a 4-month-old survived the massacre. The parents gave their account of the crime, explaining everything in detail.
Meanwhile, NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg and celebrities debated the issue of gun control.
Also talking were DKR director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale. Both gave their statements, expressing deep sorrow.
As for how the shooting affected the film’s box office results… WB decided to mute their reporting until Monday, though analysts were able to estimate the numbers.
We’re so incredibly devastated over everything. We can’t get it out of our head. We can only hope the victims and their families can find peace.
[Image via AP Images.]
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