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Colorado movie theater shooting as it unfolded – timeline Colorado movie theater shooting as it unfolded – timeline
(about 1 hour later)
A gunman opened fire at a midnight premiere of the Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado Friday morning. Police report that at least 12 people are dead and 71 were injured. The suspect, James Holmes, is in custody and due to be arraigned at 8.30am on Monday morning, at Arapahoe County court in Littleton, Colorado. A gunman opened fire at a midnight premiere of the Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado Friday morning. Police report that at least 12 people are dead and 59 were injured. The suspect, James Holmes, is in custody and due to be arraigned at 8.30am on Monday morning, at Arapahoe County court in Littleton, Colorado.
Here is a look at how the early-morning events played out:Here is a look at how the early-morning events played out:
12.05am MDT: Midnight showing of Dark Knight Rises started at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado.12.05am MDT: Midnight showing of Dark Knight Rises started at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado.
12.30am MDT: Witnesses reported that 20 minutes into the movie, the gunman entered the theater through the emergency door with a rifle, handgun and gas mask. Dressed head-to-toe in ballistics gear, he then threw a canister that released gas and opened fire on the crowd.12.30am MDT: Witnesses reported that 20 minutes into the movie, the gunman entered the theater through the emergency door with a rifle, handgun and gas mask. Dressed head-to-toe in ballistics gear, he then threw a canister that released gas and opened fire on the crowd.
12.39am MDT: The first emergency call, of hundreds, was made and police responded within minutes. Local hospitals were alerted to a "mass casualty incident."12.39am MDT: The first emergency call, of hundreds, was made and police responded within minutes. Local hospitals were alerted to a "mass casualty incident."
12.45am MDT: A suspect in a gas mask was sighted near the theater, according to the police scanner.12.45am MDT: A suspect in a gas mask was sighted near the theater, according to the police scanner.
12.50am MDT: Police apprehended the suspect in the theater parking lot.12.50am MDT: Police apprehended the suspect in the theater parking lot.
1.15am MDT: Victims were admitted to the University of Colorado hospital. The injuries ranged from mild to serious and the hospital employed its disaster protocol.1.15am MDT: Victims were admitted to the University of Colorado hospital. The injuries ranged from mild to serious and the hospital employed its disaster protocol.
3:02am MDT: After the shooting @dingos8myTARDIS tweeted:3:02am MDT: After the shooting @dingos8myTARDIS tweeted:
Shots fired in the theater. #batman #aurora #coloradoShots fired in the theater. #batman #aurora #colorado
3:03am MDT: @ZachEtake38 was reportedly also at the theater:3:03am MDT: @ZachEtake38 was reportedly also at the theater:
Have just evacuated our theater in Aurora. There was a shooting in our auditorium. I am safeHave just evacuated our theater in Aurora. There was a shooting in our auditorium. I am safe
3.15am MDT: At a press conference in Denver, Aurora police chief Dan Oates and a representative of the FBI reported that there was "no evidence" of a second shooter.3.15am MDT: At a press conference in Denver, Aurora police chief Dan Oates and a representative of the FBI reported that there was "no evidence" of a second shooter.
The suspected shooter told police that there were explosives in his North Aurora apartment, located 5 miles from the movie theater. The apartment block is evacuated and searched.The suspected shooter told police that there were explosives in his North Aurora apartment, located 5 miles from the movie theater. The apartment block is evacuated and searched.
Police confirmed that 50 were wounded and 10 people were killed in the theater.Police confirmed that 50 were wounded and 10 people were killed in the theater.
3.26am MDT: President Obama was briefed on the shooting.3.26am MDT: President Obama was briefed on the shooting.
4.21am MDT: Aurora police chief Dan Oates confirmed that a 24-year-old male had been arrested and had been taken into custody. He said that 50 people were injured and 14 people were dead. Later reports put the official number at 12 dead.4.21am MDT: Aurora police chief Dan Oates confirmed that a 24-year-old male had been arrested and had been taken into custody. He said that 50 people were injured and 14 people were dead. Later reports put the official number at 12 dead.
4.25am MDT: Denver Children's Hospital reported that the youngest person they were treating for bullet injuries is aged 6.4.25am MDT: Denver Children's Hospital reported that the youngest person they were treating for bullet injuries is aged 6.
4.49am MDT: An alleged witness described her experience on Reddit:4.49am MDT: An alleged witness described her experience on Reddit:
Boyfriend and I have evacuated safe and sound. The shooting began during a gunfight scene in the movie, and at first, we thought it was special effects when smoke rose up.Boyfriend and I have evacuated safe and sound. The shooting began during a gunfight scene in the movie, and at first, we thought it was special effects when smoke rose up.
When shots happened again and people began to run, we thought something was up. A guy ran in and shouted there was a gunman in the building, and the alarms to emergency evacuate started to go off.When shots happened again and people began to run, we thought something was up. A guy ran in and shouted there was a gunman in the building, and the alarms to emergency evacuate started to go off.
I now know what tear gas feels like. I've never had to 'get down' with a police officer screaming at us. This is the most fucked up night of my short life.I now know what tear gas feels like. I've never had to 'get down' with a police officer screaming at us. This is the most fucked up night of my short life.
5am MDT: San Antonio traffic reporter Natalie Tejeda tweets that sportswriter Jessica Ghawi was killed in the theater. Ghawi's parents confirmed their daughter's death a few hours later.5am MDT: San Antonio traffic reporter Natalie Tejeda tweets that sportswriter Jessica Ghawi was killed in the theater. Ghawi's parents confirmed their daughter's death a few hours later.
5:20am MDT: President Obama issued a statement:5:20am MDT: President Obama issued a statement:
My friend Jessica Ghawi was killed in the #Aurora Shooting-she was an aspiring sportscaster-she will be missedyfrog.com/oc7ruuhjMy friend Jessica Ghawi was killed in the #Aurora Shooting-she was an aspiring sportscaster-she will be missedyfrog.com/oc7ruuhj
Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado.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 that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time.Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time.
We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded.We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded.
As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family.As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family.
All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.
5.40am MDT: Mitt and Ann Romney issued a statement shortly after the president:5.40am MDT: Mitt and Ann Romney issued a statement shortly after the president:
Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.
6.04am MDT: Local news channels reported that the number of dead was down from 14 people to 12 people.6.04am MDT: Local news channels reported that the number of dead was down from 14 people to 12 people.
6.26am MDT: Warner Bros. cancelled Friday's Paris premiere of the Dark Knight Rises and also cancelled interviews with the director and cast members. Shortly after the announcement, Warner Bros. issued a statement:6.26am MDT: Warner Bros. cancelled Friday's Paris premiere of the Dark Knight Rises and also cancelled interviews with the director and cast members. Shortly after the announcement, Warner Bros. issued a statement:
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.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.
6:41am MDT: Police spokesman Frank Fania confirmed that 10 people died in the theater and two people died in the hospital. Police reported that the suspect was carrying a knife, a rifle and a handgun and was wearing a bulletproof vest.6:41am MDT: Police spokesman Frank Fania confirmed that 10 people died in the theater and two people died in the hospital. Police reported that the suspect was carrying a knife, a rifle and a handgun and was wearing a bulletproof vest.
6.45am MDT: Suspect is named as James Holmes, aged 24.6.45am MDT: Suspect is named as James Holmes, aged 24.
6.45am MDT: ABC News reported that they had spoken with the alleged gunman James Holmes mother who was in San Diego. She reportedly told ABC News: "You have the right person. I need to call the police... I need to fly out to Colorado."6.45am MDT: ABC News reported that they had spoken with the alleged gunman James Holmes mother who was in San Diego. She reportedly told ABC News: "You have the right person. I need to call the police... I need to fly out to Colorado."
7.00am MDT: Aurora Police Department directed family members of loved ones that were at Century 16 theater to Gateway High School. Victims and witnesses were brought to the high school by police.7.00am MDT: Aurora Police Department directed family members of loved ones that were at Century 16 theater to Gateway High School. Victims and witnesses were brought to the high school by police.
7.29am MDT: New York Police Department commisioner Ray Kelly made a statement saying the NYPD would be sending extra policemen to screenings of the Dark Knight Rises in New York.7.29am MDT: New York Police Department commisioner Ray Kelly made a statement saying the NYPD would be sending extra policemen to screenings of the Dark Knight Rises in New York.
As a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the way of the horrendous shooting in Colorado, the New York City Police Department is providing coverage at theaters where 'The Dark Knight Rises' is playing in the five boroughs.As a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the way of the horrendous shooting in Colorado, the New York City Police Department is providing coverage at theaters where 'The Dark Knight Rises' is playing in the five boroughs.
In a radio interview, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg called on major politicians to say what they are going to do about gun control in the wake of the shootings.In a radio interview, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg called on major politicians to say what they are going to do about gun control in the wake of the shootings.
There's so many murders with guns every day. It's just gotta stop. And instead of these two people, President Obama and Governor Romney talking in broad things about, they want to make the world a better place. OK. Tell us how. And this is a problem. No matter where you stand on the second amendment, no matter where you stand on guns, we have a right to hear from both of them, concretely, not just in generalities, specifically, what are they going to do about guns?There's so many murders with guns every day. It's just gotta stop. And instead of these two people, President Obama and Governor Romney talking in broad things about, they want to make the world a better place. OK. Tell us how. And this is a problem. No matter where you stand on the second amendment, no matter where you stand on guns, we have a right to hear from both of them, concretely, not just in generalities, specifically, what are they going to do about guns?
7.45am MDT: Colorado governor John Hickenlooper released a statement:7.45am MDT: Colorado governor John Hickenlooper released a statement:
This is not only an act of extreme violence, it is also an act of depravity. It is beyond the power of words to fully express our sorrow this morning. Our prayers and condolences go first to the families of those killed, and we share the grief of everyone affected by this senseless event. We appreciate the swift work by local, state and federal law enforcement. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This one of those times.This is not only an act of extreme violence, it is also an act of depravity. It is beyond the power of words to fully express our sorrow this morning. Our prayers and condolences go first to the families of those killed, and we share the grief of everyone affected by this senseless event. We appreciate the swift work by local, state and federal law enforcement. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This one of those times.
8.17am MDT: White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters on Air Force One: "We do not believe at this point there was an apparent nexis to terrorism."8.17am MDT: White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters on Air Force One: "We do not believe at this point there was an apparent nexis to terrorism."
8.26am MDT: Jessica Ghawi was the first named victim after her parents confirm that she was killed in the shooting.8.26am MDT: Jessica Ghawi was the first named victim after her parents confirm that she was killed in the shooting.
In a 5 June blogpost, Ghawi wrote about her experience in another mass shooting. In the post, Ghawi – who goes by Jessica Redfield on social media – wrote:In a 5 June blogpost, Ghawi wrote about her experience in another mass shooting. In the post, Ghawi – who goes by Jessica Redfield on social media – wrote:
I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday. I saw the terror on bystanders' faces. I saw the victims of a senseless crime. I saw lives change. I was reminded that we don't know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath.I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday. I saw the terror on bystanders' faces. I saw the victims of a senseless crime. I saw lives change. I was reminded that we don't know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath.
8.45am MDT: President Obama addressed a crowd in Fort Myers, Florida as part of a planned campaign stop. The president was due in Orlando next, but returned to the White House "in light of the tragedy in Colorado." Obama said he had spoken to the mayor of Aurora and to the governor of Colorado. He told the crowd:8.45am MDT: President Obama addressed a crowd in Fort Myers, Florida as part of a planned campaign stop. The president was due in Orlando next, but returned to the White House "in light of the tragedy in Colorado." Obama said he had spoken to the mayor of Aurora and to the governor of Colorado. He told the crowd:
The people we lost in Aurora loved and they were loved. They were mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, friends and neighbours. They had hopes for the future, dreams that were not yet fulfilled.The people we lost in Aurora loved and they were loved. They were mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, friends and neighbours. They had hopes for the future, dreams that were not yet fulfilled.
9.05am MDT: Police reported that the suspected shooter's apartment was booby-trapped and the area around the apartment is evacuated.9.05am MDT: Police reported that the suspected shooter's apartment was booby-trapped and the area around the apartment is evacuated.
9.09am MDT: Police began to search every car in the area.9.09am MDT: Police began to search every car in the area.
9.31am MDT: San Diego police Lt Andra Brown held a press conference outside suspected shooter James Holmes' mother's house in Northeast San Diego. Holmes went to high school in San Diego.9.31am MDT: San Diego police Lt Andra Brown held a press conference outside suspected shooter James Holmes' mother's house in Northeast San Diego. Holmes went to high school in San Diego.
Brown said the family called police after media showed up at the home: "The Holmes family is very upset by all of this. It is a tragic event and has taken everybody by surprise."Brown said the family called police after media showed up at the home: "The Holmes family is very upset by all of this. It is a tragic event and has taken everybody by surprise."
9.52am MDT: At the University of Colorado hospital, where 23 victims were admitted, attending doctor Comilla Sasson told the Guardian that nine victims were in critical condition, one was in the operating room and three had been discharged, including a three-month-old child.9.52am MDT: At the University of Colorado hospital, where 23 victims were admitted, attending doctor Comilla Sasson told the Guardian that nine victims were in critical condition, one was in the operating room and three had been discharged, including a three-month-old child.
The suspected gunman James Holmes was a student in the University of Colorado Denver graduate programme in neuroscience and was in the process of withdrawing from the school.The suspected gunman James Holmes was a student in the University of Colorado Denver graduate programme in neuroscience and was in the process of withdrawing from the school.
10.26am MDT: A spokesperson from Aurora Medical Center, where some of the victims were admitted, briefed the media. She said that seven people between the ages of 16-31, were still at the hospital. Five had either already had surgery or were being operated on and one more person was due to undergo surgery soon. Five patients were in critical condition, but there had been no fatalities.10.26am MDT: A spokesperson from Aurora Medical Center, where some of the victims were admitted, briefed the media. She said that seven people between the ages of 16-31, were still at the hospital. Five had either already had surgery or were being operated on and one more person was due to undergo surgery soon. Five patients were in critical condition, but there had been no fatalities.
The spokesperson added that victims had "blast" injuries, which come from "some exposure to shrapnel, or things are flying in the air."The spokesperson added that victims had "blast" injuries, which come from "some exposure to shrapnel, or things are flying in the air."
10.49am MDT: CBS reporter Tony Aiello tweeted that NYPD police commissioner Ray Kelly said the suspected Aurora gunman was dressed as The Joker when he launched the attack.10.49am MDT: CBS reporter Tony Aiello tweeted that NYPD police commissioner Ray Kelly said the suspected Aurora gunman was dressed as The Joker when he launched the attack.
#BREAKING: NYPD Cmsr Kelly says CO suspect Holmes had "hair painted red, he said he was The Joker."Armed w/shotgun, AK47, 9mm, knife.#BREAKING: NYPD Cmsr Kelly says CO suspect Holmes had "hair painted red, he said he was The Joker."Armed w/shotgun, AK47, 9mm, knife.
Aiello also said that commisoner Kelly is close with Aurora police chief Dan Oates.Aiello also said that commisoner Kelly is close with Aurora police chief Dan Oates.
11.55am MDT: In a press conference police chief Dan Oates said that police were confident that suspect James Holmes acted alone. Oates updated the number of causalities: "71 people were shot, 12 are deceased. Two died at area hospitals, 10 died at the scene."11.55am MDT: In a press conference police chief Dan Oates said that police were confident that suspect James Holmes acted alone. Oates updated the number of causalities: "71 people were shot, 12 are deceased. Two died at area hospitals, 10 died at the scene."
Colorado governor John Hickenlooper said, "Our hearts are broken. This is the act, apparently, of a very deranged mined. This is a safe city and a safe state and a safe country."Colorado governor John Hickenlooper said, "Our hearts are broken. This is the act, apparently, of a very deranged mined. This is a safe city and a safe state and a safe country."
"There's not one of us who doesn't read or hear this story – certainly not one of us who has children – who doesn't think about it being our child.""There's not one of us who doesn't read or hear this story – certainly not one of us who has children – who doesn't think about it being our child."