Photos: Colorado movie theater shootings

Posted Jul 20, 2012

By hbennett

A gunman wearing a gas mask opened fire early Friday at a suburban Denver theater at the opening of the Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises,” killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities have said.

1 of 52

Amanda Medek, who is looking for her sister Micayla, sits outside Gateway High School, Friday July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, RJ Sangosti) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
2 of 52

This photo provided by the University of Colorado shows James Holmes. University spokeswoman Jacque Montgomery says 24-year-old Holmes, who police say is the suspect in a mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater, was studying neuroscience in a Ph.D. program at the University of Colorado-Denver graduate school. Holmes is suspected of shooting into a crowd at a movie theater killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more, authorities said. (AP Photo/University of Colorado)
3 of 52

Amanda Medek sits outside Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo., where witnesses we being interviewed by authorities Friday July 20, 2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Craig F. Walker) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
4 of 52

Amanda Medek, who is looking for her sister Micayla, sits outside Gateway High School, Friday July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, RJ Sangosti) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
5 of 52

Ian Legins and his children leave Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo, where witnesses we being interviewed by authorities Friday, July 20,2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Craig F. Walker) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
6 of 52

Tom Sullivan, center, stands with family members outside Gateway High School where witness were brought for questioning after a gunman opened fire at the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises Batman movie Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Sullivan later pleaded with the media to help find his missing son, Alex Sullivan, who attended the movie to celebrate his 27th birthday. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
7 of 52

Tom Sullivan talks with family members at Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo., where witnesses we being interviewed by authorities Friday July 20, 2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Craig F. Walker) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
8 of 52

Tom Sullivan, center, embraces family members outside Gateway High School where he has been searching franticly for his son Alex Sullivan who celebrated his 27th birthday by going to see "The Dark Knight Rises," movie where a gunman opened fire Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
9 of 52

Tom Sullivan, center, embraces family members outside Gateway High School where he has been searching franticly for his son Alex Sullivan who celebrated his 27th birthday by going to see "The Dark Knight Rises," movie where a gunman opened fire Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
10 of 52

Eyewitness Jacob Stevens, 18, hugs his mother Tammi Stevens after being interview by police outside Gateway High School where witnesses were brought for questioning Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, RJ Sangosti) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
11 of 52

Eyewitness Jacob Stevens, 18, hugs his mother Tammi Stevens after being interview by police outside Gateway High School where witnesses were brought for questioning Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, RJ Sangosti) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
12 of 52

Eyewitness Jacob Stevens, 18, hugs his mother Tammi Stevens after being interview by police outside Gateway High School where witnesses were brought for questioning Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, RJ Sangosti) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
13 of 52

Judy Goos, left, hugs her daughters friend, Isaiah Bow, 20, an eyewitnesses, as Terrell Wallin, 20, right, looks on, outside Gateway High School where witnesses were brought for questioning after a gunman opened fire at the midnight premiere of the "Dark Knight Rises"movie Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora. After fleeing the theater, Bow returned to find his girlfriend who turned out to be safe. "Very stupid I know, But I didn't want to leave her in there," says Bow. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
14 of 52

Kimberly Sinkiewicz, left, and Rachel Frangis leave Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo., where witnesses we being interviewed by authorities Friday July 20, 2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Craig F. Walker) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
15 of 52

John Priest, left, and Vory Boots watch the police action at an apartment where the suspect in a theatre shooting lived in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. The couple were evacuated from their apartment across from the suspects. As many as 12 people were killed and 50 injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre on Friday. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
16 of 52

Federal authorities search through evidence in the parking lot behind the Century 16 movie after a shooting at the theatre Friday, July 20,2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Karl Gehring) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
17 of 52

Firefighter work in front of an apartment where the suspect in a theatre shooting lived in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. As many as 12 people were killed and 50 injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre on Friday. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
18 of 52

An investigator inspects evidence outside the Century 16 movie theater east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo. on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into the crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight showing of the Batman movie on Friday, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
19 of 52

Agents from the FBI and ATF investigate the scene behind the Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colo., following a shooting on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, AAron Ontiveroz) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
20 of 52

Investigators examine a vehicle parked outside a back exit at the Century 16 movie theater east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo. on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight showing of the Batman movie on Friday, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
21 of 52

Betha Larios and her daughter, Fatima, 14, talk with a Red Cross volunteer at Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo, where witnesses we being interviewed by authorities Friday July 20, 2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Craig F. Walker) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
22 of 52

Investigators look over evidence on ground outside the back door of the Century 16 movie theater east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo. on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight showing of the Batman movie on Friday, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
23 of 52

A Federal Bureau of Investigation forensics expert mades notes on a gas mask labeled as the first piece of evidence in a criminal investigation at the parking lot behind the Century 16 movie after a shooting at the theatre Friday, July 20,2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Karl Gehring) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
24 of 52

A gas mask was marked as the first piece of evidence in a criminal investigation outside the parking lot behind the Century 16 movie after a shooting at the theatre Friday, July 20,2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Karl Gehring) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
25 of 52

A group from Rangeview High School pray outside Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo, where witnesses we being interviewed by authorities Friday, July 20,2012. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Craig F. Walker) TV, INTERNET AND MAGAZINES CALL FOR RATES AND TERMS
26 of 52

Investigators take photographs of evidence outside the Century 16 movie theater east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo. on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into the crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight showing of the Batman movie on Friday, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
27 of 52

A bag of discarded popcorn sits on a hillside outside the Century 16 movie theater east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo. on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight showing of the Batman movie on Friday, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
28 of 52

Police use the bucket on a fire truck to look down on an apartment where the suspect in a theatre shooting lived in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. As many as 12 people were killed and 50 injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre on Friday. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
29 of 52

Police and firefighters gather in front of an apartment where the suspect in a shooting at a movie theatre lived in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. As many as 12 people were killed and 50 injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
30 of 52

Firefighter work in front of an apartment where the suspect in a theatre shooting lived in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. As many as 12 people were killed and 50 injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre on Friday. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
31 of 52

A sign for movie The Dark Knight Rises is displayed Regal Cinemas at Crossgates Mall in Albany, N.Y., on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight premiere of the Batman movie on Friday, July 20, 2012, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire, killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
32 of 52

People walk past a sign for movie The Dark Knight Rises at Regal Cinemas at Crossgates Mall in Albany, N.Y., on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight premiere of the Batman movie on Friday, July 20, 2012, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire, killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
33 of 52

A sign listing movie times at Regal Cinemas at Crossgates Mall shows two afternoon showings for the movie The Dark Knight Rises are sold out, in Albany, N.Y., on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight premiere of the Batman movie on Friday, July 20, 2012, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire, killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
34 of 52

People observe a moment of silence with President Barack Obama for the victims of the Aurora, Colo., shooting at an event at the Harborside Event Center in Ft. Myers, Fla., Friday, July 20, 2012. Obama, who was scheduled to spend the day campaigning in Florida, cancelled his campaign events to return to Washington to monitor the shooting. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
35 of 52

People use mobile devices as they wait outside Gateway High School where witnesses were brought for questioning after a shooting at a movie theater showing the Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises," Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
36 of 52

An Aurora Police officer talks on his radio outside of the Century 16 theater at Aurora Mall where as many as 14 people were killed and many injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
37 of 52

An Aurora Police Department detective takes a witness statement following a shooting Friday morning July 20, 2012. Aurora Police responded to the Century 16 movie theatre early Friday morning where police confirm at least 14 people are dead and 50 others injured. (AP Photo/Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)
38 of 52

Police are pictured outside of a Century 16 movie theatre where as many as 14 people were killed and many injured at a shooting during the showing of a movie at the in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
39 of 52

Police officers took witness statements outside a move theatre in Aurora, Colorado following an early morning shooting. Aurora Police responded to the Century 16 movie theatre early Friday morning, July 20, 2012. Scanner traffic indicates that dozens of people were hurt in an incident inside the theatre. (AP Photo/Karl Gehring/The Denver Post)
40 of 52

Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates talks to media at Aurora Mall where as many as 14 people were killed and many injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
41 of 52

Police are pictured outside of a Century 16 movie theatre where as many as 14 people were killed and many injured at a shooting during the showing of a movie at the in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
42 of 52

Police are pictured outside of a Century 16 movie theatre where as many as 14 people were killed and many injured at a shooting during the showing of a movie at the in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
43 of 52

Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates talks to media at the Aurora Mall where as many as 14 people were killed and many injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
44 of 52

People gather outside the Century 16 movie theatre in Aurora, Colo., at the scene of a mass shooting early Friday morning, July 20, 2012. Police Chief Dan Oates says 14 people are dead following the shooting at the suburban Denver movie theater. He says 50 others were injured when gunfire erupted early Friday at the Aurora theater. Oates says a gunman appeared at the front of one of the Century 16 theaters. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Karl Gehring)
45 of 52

Aurora Police respond to the Century 16 movie theatre early Friday morning, July 20, 2012. Police chief Dan Oates said at least 14 dead and another 50 injured in the Colorado theater shooting. (AP Photo/Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)
46 of 52

A police officer walks near the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora following a shooting which left a dozen people dead and dozens of others wounded during the premier of The Dark Knight Rises on Friday, June 20, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
47 of 52

Police vehicles line the streets in front of the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora following a shooting that left a dozen people dead and dozens of others wounded during a premier of The Dark Knigh Rises on Friday, July 20, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
48 of 52

Personnel gather outside the emergency room at Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO, Friday, July 20, 2012. Fourteen people were killed and about 50 were injured early Friday when shots rang out at an Aurora movie theater during a premiere showing of the new Batman movie. Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post
49 of 52

Personnel gather outside the emergency room at Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO, Friday, July 20, 2012. Fourteen people were killed and about 50 were injured early Friday when shots rang out at an Aurora movie theater during a premiere showing of the new Batman movie. Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post
50 of 52

A man arrives at Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO, Friday, July 20, 2012. Fourteen people were killed and about 50 were injured early Friday when shots rang out at an Aurora movie theater during a premiere showing of the new Batman movie. Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post
51 of 52
52 of 52

A man arrives at Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colo., Friday, and holds his head in his hands. Fourteen people were killed and about 50 were injured early Friday when shots rang out at an Aurora movie theater during a premiere showing of the new Batman movie. Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post Edit caption: Save Cancel A man arrives at Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO, Friday, July 20, 2012. Fourteen people were killed and about 50 were injured early Friday when shots rang out at an Aurora movie theater during a premiere showing of the new Batman movie. Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post