Nat'l Theater Assoc. Comments on Shooting Tragedy

As BWW previously reported, a heavily armed gunman entered the midnight showing of Warner Bros' THE DARK KNIGHT RISES on Friday outside of Denver and went on a shooting rampage, reportedly killing 12 people and wounding 38 others. The 24-year-old suspect, identified as James Holmes, a former Colorado University medical school student, is currently in police custody.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunman came into the crowded theater through an emergency door twenty minutes into the movie, and set off a tear gas canaster. He then proceeded to open fire on the audience. “I thought it was pretty much the end of the world,” theatergoer Robert Jones told the Denver Post.

The suspect had a gas mask, rifle and handgun in his possession at the time of the shooting. He wore a bulletproof vest and a riot helmet. A shotgun and an assault rifle were also found inside the theater.

A statement was just been released by the National Association of Theater Owners, the exhibition trade group:

“On behalf of all the members and staff of the National Association of Theatre Owners, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this despicable act and their families. We are grateful for the quick and effective response by police and emergency personnel. Guest safety is, and will continue to be a priority for theater owners. NATO members are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures.”

Cinemark, the exhibition company that owns the theater where the murders took place, also issued a statement today:

Cinemark is deeply saddened about this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and loved ones, our employees, and the Aurora community. We are grateful for the quick and professional reaction of all local law enforcement and emergency responders. Cinemark is working closely with the Aurora Police Department and local law enforcement.

To post a comment, you must register and login.