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Updated Jul 20, 2012 - 1:15 pm

Valley moviegoers learn of Colo. tragedy after seeing 'Dark Knight'

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By KTAR Newsroom
Originally published: Jul 20, 2012 - 7:58 am

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Many moviegoers coming out of Friday's early-morning showing of the Batman sequel, "The Dark Knight Rises" at Harkins Tempe Marketplace were unaware of the Colorado massacre at a showing of the movie.

Kayla Rotstein, who attended the 3:30 a.m. showing, was shocked to learn of the shooting spree, which killed a dozen and injured dozens more in suburban Denver.

"I mean, it's really scary that someone would take the movie to a whole new level and actually hurt innocent people, kill innocent people," she said.

Warner Brothers, the studio behind the movie, cancelled the Paris premiere of the movie. In the Valley, there have been no cancellation of showings at Harkins Theatres.

Harkins released a statement regarding the tragedy:

"The entire Harkins Theatres organization is grieving with the community of Aurora, Colorado today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the victims of this horrific random act. We recognize that in our theatres we entertain and employ our friends, neighbors and families. Their safety is always of paramount concern to us. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security procedures as necessary."

Gov. Jan Brewer also released a statement:

"I am horrified and saddened by the senseless shooting that took the lives of so many innocent people in Colorado this morning. There is no rationale for violence this cruel; no explanation for this kind of evil.
"I ask my fellow Arizonans to join me in praying for the victims of this massacre, as well as their families. Tragically, our state knows something about grief this dark and sorrow this deep, but also the light that shines as a community rallies together in faith, love and hope.
"Our hearts are with our Colorado neighbors now dealing with heartbreak difficult to fathom."

KTAR's Jim Cross contributed to this article.

Memorial services were held at Corpus Christi
Catholic Church and Desert Vista high school
Saturday morning in Phoenix for Alex Teves, one
of 12 shot and killed in the Friday, July 20,
2012 movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo.
Photo: Jill Halverson

Actor Christian Bale carries flowers as he visits a memorial to the victims of Friday's mass shooting, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed when a gunman opened fire during a late-night showing of the movie "The Dark Knight Rises", which stars Bale as Batman. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Actor Christian Bale, second right, and his wife Sibi Blazic, right, place flowers on a memorial to the victims of Friday's mass shooting, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed when a gunman opened fire during a late-night showing of the movie Dark Knight Rises, which stars Bale as Batman. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Actor Christian Bale and his wife Sibi Blazic view a cross and large display of flowers and stuffed animals dedicated to Veronica Moser-Sullivan, 6, the youngest of the 12 victims of Friday's mass shooting, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at a memorial in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed when a gunman opened fire during a late-night showing of the movie "The Dark Knight Rises," which stars Bale as Batman. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Actor Christian Bale and his wife Sibi Blazic visit a memorial to the victims of Friday's mass shooting, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed when a gunman opened fire during a late-night showing of the movie "The Dark Knight Rises," which stars Bale as Batman. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Actor Christian Bale, holding flowers at center, joins hands and prays with visitors to a memorial to the victims of Friday's mass shooting, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed when a gunman opened fire during a late-night showing of the movie "The Dark Knight Rises," which stars Bale as Batman. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

"The Dark Knight Rises" star Christian Bale meets medical staff at a Denver hospital. (Photo: <a href="https://twitter.com/DenverChannel/status/227883025294315524" target="new"><b>@DenverChannel</b></a>)

"The Dark Knight Rises" star Christian Bale meets medical staff at a Denver hospital. (Photo: Facebook)

Members of the Adams County Sheriff's Dept. Hazardous Devices Unit stand near a robot as they search the Campus Services building on the University of Colorado-Denver's Anschutz Medical Campus, Monday, July 23, 2012, in Aurora, Colo., after reports of two suspicious packages were made on the campus. James E. Holmes, who is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder stemming from a mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater last Friday, is a former student in the school's Ph.D. program in neuroscience. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

A "Feel Better Soon" balloon decorates the room as Christina "Crispy" Blache as she speaks during an interview from her hospital bed at Swedish Medical Center, Monday, July 23, 2012 in Englewood, Colo. Blache was one of the people shot in the attack early Friday at an Aurora, Colo., theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Theresa Able, left, and Jean Metzler, Medical Assistants at the Colorado Neurology Specialists, hug Monday, July 23, 2012 at a make shift memorial that the public has created across the street from the Century Theater where a mass shooting occurred last Friday killing 12 and injuring dozens of others, in Aurora, Colo. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

Best friends Allie Young, left, 19 and Stephanie Davies, 21, sit in a room at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colo., Monday July 23, 2012, and recount the story of how Stephanie saved Allie's life during the mass theater shooting in Aurora by applying pressure to a gushing neck wound and helping her to safety July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Los Angeles Times, Mark Boster, Pool)

Amanda Lindgren cries as she speaks about her boyfriend Alex Teves, at the Arapahoe County Courthouse, Monday, July 23, 2012, in Centennial, Colo. Teves was one of the 12 people killed in the shooting attack early Friday at an Aurora, Colo., theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Members of federal law enforcement load their car outside the apartment where accused killer James Homes lived, Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed and over 50 wounded in a shooting attack early Friday at a packed movie theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Police have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Visitors view the growing memorial to the victims of last Friday's mass shooting in a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Throughout the day people continued to bring flowers, candles, and other items to the memorial, which is located across the street from the theater. Police have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

From left, Ashley Deuell, 18, Samantha Winslow, 18, and Michael Espinosa, 20, cry as they view crosses dedicated to Gordon Cowden, at left, and Alex "AJ" Boik, right), Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at a growing memorial to the victims of last Friday's mass shooting in a movie theater in Aurora, Colo. 12 people were killed, and dozens were injured in the shooting. Police have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Workers begin unloading sections of fence to surround the movie theater where last Friday's mass shooting took place, Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Police have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Members of the prosecution team raise the crime scene tape to depart after viewing inside the apartment where accused killer James Homes lived, Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed and over 50 wounded in a shooting attack early Friday at the packed theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Police have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Firefighters and police gather after an explosion could be heard in
front the apartment of shooting suspect James Holmes in Aurora,
Colo., Saturday, July 21, 2012. Federal authorities detonated one
small explosive and disarmed another inside Holmes' apartment,
but several other explosive devices remained, said Aurora police
Sgt. Cassidee Carlson. Twelve people were killed and dozens were
injured in a shooting attack early Friday at a packed movie theater
during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises."
Police have identified Holmes, 24, as the suspected shooter. (AP
Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Federal agents outside the apartment of James Holmes in Aurora,
Colo., Saturday, July 21, 2012. Federal authorities detonated one
small explosive and disarmed another inside Holmes' apartment,
but several other explosive devices remained, said Aurora police
Sgt. Cassidee Carlson. Twelve people were killed and dozens were
injured in a shooting attack early Friday at a packed movie theater
during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises."
Police have identified Holmes, 24, as the suspected shooter. (AP
Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Federal agents ride in a fire truck bucket outside the apartment of
James Holmes in Aurora, Colo., Saturday, July 21, 2012. Federal
authorities detonated one small explosive and disarmed another
inside Holmes' apartment, but several other explosive devices
remained, said Aurora police Sgt. Cassidee Carlson. Twelve people
were killed and dozens were injured in a shooting attack early
Friday at a packed movie theater during a showing of the Batman
movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Police have identified Holmes, 24,
as the suspected shooter. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Firefighters standby outside the apartment of James Holmes in
Aurora, Colo., Saturday, July 21, 2012. Federal authorities
detonated one small explosive and disarmed another inside
Holmes' apartment, but several other explosive devices remained,
said Aurora police Sgt. Cassidee Carlson. Twelve people were killed
and dozens were injured in a shooting attack early Friday at a
packed movie theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The
Dark Knight Rises." Police have identified Holmes, 24, as the
suspected shooter. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

This undated photo provided by the Larimer family shows John
Larimer. Relatives have identified Larimer, a U.S. Navy sailor, as one of
the victims killed by a gunman at a showing of the new Batman movie,
early Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. (AP Photo/Larimer family)

Sgt. Cassidy Carlson, second from left, spokesperson for the Aurora
Police Department, crosses the street with others for a media
availability near the apartment of alleged gunman James Holmes,
Saturday, July 21, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. Authorities reported that 12
died and dozens more were shot during an assault at a movie theater
midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises." (AP Photo/Alex
Brandon)

From left, Tylecia Amos, 14, Shatyra Amos, 15, Michael Walker, 17,
and Mykia Walker, 16, carry flowers to lay at a makeshift memorial
across the street from the Century Theater parking lot, on Saturday,
July 21, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed and
dozens were injured in the attack early Friday at the packed theater
during a showing of the Batman movie, "Dark Knight Rises." Police
have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP
Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

As the sun rises, Michael Walker, 17, a classmate of A.J. Boik, leans on
a tree with a rose to lay on a makeshift memorial in a field across the
street from the Century Theater, Saturday, July 21, 2012, the day after
a gunman killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more at a
midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises" Batman movie, in
Aurora, Colo. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

Three helicopters make a flyover of the Century Theater on Saturday,
July 21, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed and
dozenswere injured in the attack early Friday at the packed theater
during a showing of the Batman movie, "Dark Knight Rises." Police
have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP
Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

Aurora Police sit outside the crime scene at the Century Theater on
Saturday, July 21, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed and
dozens were injured in the attack early Friday at the packed theater
during a showing of the Batman movie, "Dark Knight Rises." Police
have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP
Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

Flags around the Washington Monument in Washington fly at half-staff
early Saturday, July 21, 2012, in tribute to the victims of the deadly
mass shooting in Aurora, Colo. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

Esmeralda Carbajal, second from lower left, lights candles at a
growing memorial across the street from the Century 16 movie
theater, late Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo., nearly 24 hours
after a gunman killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens of
others watching the latest Batman film in one of the deadliest mass
shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Cars remain in the parking lot of the Century 16 movie theater, late
Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo., nearly 24 hours after a gunman
killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens of others watching the
latest Batman film in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent
U.S. history. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

The neon sign over the Century 16 theatre burns bright in the night
east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012.
Authorities report that 12 died and more than three dozen people
were shot during an assault at the theatre during a midnight premiere
of "The Dark Knight." (AP Photo/David Zalubo

Phil Martinez, of Aurora, Colo., leads a prayer during a candle-light
vigil, Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo., across the street from the
movie theater where a gunman killed at least 12 people and wounded
dozens of others Friday in one of the deadliest mass shootings in
recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

A written message that begins "To all the innocent souls... this is for
you," is shown near a display of candles, flags, and other tributes,
Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo., across the street from the
movie theater where a gunman killed at least 12 people and wounded
dozens of others Friday in one of the deadliest mass shootings in
recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, right, listens as Aurora Police Chief
Dan Oates, left, talks to reporters, Friday, July 20, 2012, during a
briefing at Aurora City Hall in Aurora, Colo., not far from the movie
theater where a gunman killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens
of others in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history.
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

People attending a candle-light prayer gathering cry as they pray,
Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo., across the street from the
movie theater where a gunman killed at least 12 people and wounded
dozens of others Friday in one of the deadliest mass shootings in
recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

People attending a candle-light prayer gathering gather near a a group
of candles and U.S. flags, Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. across
the street from the movie theater where a gunman killed at least 12
people and wounded dozens of others Friday in one of the deadliest
mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

People attending a candle-light prayer gathering surround a a group
of candles and U.S. flags, Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo.,
across the street from the movie theater where a gunman killed at
least 12 people and wounded dozens of others Friday in one of the
deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/Ted S.
Warren)

Dr. Yi Zhang speaks about living a floor below the apartment of
alleged gunman James Holmes Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora , Colo.
Authorities reported that 12 died and more than three dozen people
were shot during an assault at a movie theatre midnight premiere of
"The Dark Knight Rises." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Candles and a sign stand for victims of a mass shooting across from
the site at the Century 16 theatre east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora,
Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. Authorities report that 12 died and
more than three dozen people were shot during an assault at the
theatre during a midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight." (AP
Photo/David Zalubowski)

Marietta Perkins falls to her knees in sorrow and prayer at a vigil
across the street form the movie theater, Friday, July 20, 2012 in
Aurora, Colo. Authorities report that 12 died and more than three
dozen people were shot during an assault at the theatre during a
midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight." (AP Photo/Robert Ray)

People mourn at a vigil, Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo.
Authorities report that 12 died and more than three dozen people
were shot during an assault at the theatre during a midnight premiere
of "The Dark Knight." (AP Photo/Robert Ray)

People hold American flags at a vigil, Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora,
Colo. Authorities report that 12 died and more than three dozen
people were shot during an assault at the theatre during a midnight
premiere of "The Dark Knight." (AP Photo/Robert Ray)

Less than 24 hours after 12 people were killed and dozens shot, Alicia
Pervette stands across the street, holding a candle in memorial of the
victims., Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Authorities report that
12 died and more than three dozen people were shot during an
assault at the theatre during a midnight premiere of "The Dark
Knight." (AP Photo/Robert Ray)

A woman holds a dozen fresh roses in memory of the dead at a vigil,
Friday, July 20, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Authorities report that 12 died
and more than three dozen people were shot during an assault at the
theatre during a midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight." (AP
Photo/Robert Ray)

Lin Gan, 20, who was in the theater where the shooting took place, remains emotionally shaken eight hours after the shooting incident as she waits outside Gateway High School where witnesses were brought for questioning 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/Barry Gutierrez)

Lt. H.D. Gidden speaks briefly to the media outside Gateway High School where witnesses 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. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

A woman overcome with emotion is sounded by councilors, police and clergy outside Gateway High School where witnesses are 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 dozens, authorities said. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

The American flag is seen at half-staff over the White House in Washington, Friday, July 20, 2012. President Barack Obama, who cut short his campaign stop in Florida, ordered the flag to be lowered in the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Investigators continue to look over evidence behind the Century 16 theatre east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. Authorities report that 12 died and more than three dozen people were shot during an assault at the theatre during a midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight." (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Aurora, Colo., Police Department Cheif Daniel Oates, center, confers with officers before a news conference at the Century 16 theatre east of the Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. A gunman in a gas mask hurled a gas canister and opened fire in the sold-out theater during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie Friday, killing 12 people and injuring 59 in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. The shooter was arrested shortly after the attack, and law enforcement officials identified him as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

An investigator kneels next to a gas mask marked as 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)

A woman uses a cell phone as she sits on the steps near a police officer and a priest outside Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo. where witnesses were brought for questioning 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/Barry Gutierrez)

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)

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)

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)

Police block the road 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)

A police officer escorts a woman from her home after they evacuated the area near 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 in Aurora, Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Investigators look over evidence in the parking lot 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)

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)

Yellow markers sit next to evidence, including a gas mask, as police investigate the scene 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)

President Barack Obama walks up the steps of Air Force One to leave from Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers, Fla., Friday, July 20, 2012. Obama canceled his campaign events in Florida because of the Aurora, Colo., shootings. (AP Photo/Erik Kellar)

This July 19, 2012 photo shows Los Angeles County Sheriff Calvillo, left, withholding toy guns from Batman fans from Indiana, Brian Haughs, 28, right, dressed as the character Two-Face, and John Werskey, dressed as Commissioner James Gordon, while waiting for the midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises," at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an unknown gas and fired into the crowded movie theater in Aurora, Colo., Friday July 20, 2012, killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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)

President Barack Obama walks down the steps after speaking about 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, canceled his last event to return to Washington to monitor the shooting aftermath. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Barack Obama pauses during a moment of silence for the victims of the Aurora, Colo., shooting during 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, is canceling his next campaign event to return to Washington to monitor the shooting. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Barack Obama speaks about 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)

Officers load bags of evidence into a car
outside the Century 16 theater east of the
Aurora Mall in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July
20, 2012. A shooting took place in the
theater in which at least 12 people died and
scores were injured during the premiere
showing of "The Dark Knight Rises." (AP
Photo/David Zalubowski)

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)

President Barack Obama talks about the events
in Colorado in Fort Myers, Fla., Friday, July
19, 2012. Obama said the tragic movie theater
shooting in Colorado that left 12 people dead
is a reminder that life is fragile. He says the
event "reminds us of all the ways that we are
united as one American family." (AP Photo/Alan
Diaz)

A woman cries outside Gateway High School
where witness were brought for questioning
after a gunman opened fire at a midnight
premiere of The Dark Knight Rises Batman
movie 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)

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)

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney hugs a supporter after speaking about the tragic mass shooting at a movie theater in Colorado during a campaign event in Bow, N.H., Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Eyewitness Chandler Brannon, 25, sits 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. 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)

Eyewitness Isaiah Bow hugs his mother
Shamecca Davis after being questioned by
police outside Gateway High School where
witnesses were brought in, Friday, July 20,
2012 in Aurora, Colo. After leaving the
theater Bow went back in to find his
girlfriend. "I didn't want to leave her in
there. But she's ok now," Bow said. 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)

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/Barry Gutierrez)

Family and friends 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)

Police break out a window 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
early Friday during the showing of the latest
Batman movie. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Judy Goos, second from left, hugs her
daughters friend, Isaiah Bow, 20, while eye
witnesses Emma Goos, 19, left, and Terrell
Wallin, 20, right, gather outside Gateway
High School where witness were brought for
questioning Friday, July 20, 2012 in Denver.
A gunman wearing a gas mask set off an
unknown gas and fired into a crowded movie
theater at a midnight opening of the Batman
movie "The Dark Knight Rises," killing at
least 12 people and injuring at least 50
others, authorities said. (AP Photo/Barry
Gutierrez)

A SWAT team officer stands watch near an
apartment house where the suspect in a
shooting at a movie theatre lived in Aurora,
Colo., Friday, July 20, 2012. As many as 14
people were killed and 50 injured at a
shooting at the Century 16 movie theatre
early Friday during the showing of the latest
Batman movie. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

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)

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)

Television reporters line up on hillside near 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)

Police officers are seen outside a movie theater screening "The Dark Knight Rises," Friday, July 20, 2012 in New York. A gunman in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight premiere of the Batman movie on Friday, 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. NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly said the department was providing the extra security at theaters "as a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons." (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

John Priest, left, and Vory Boots watch the police action at an apartment where the suspect in a theater shooting lived in Aurora, Colo., on Friday, July 20, 2012. The couple were evacuated from their apartment across from the suspect. As many as 12 people were killed and 59 injured at a shooting at the Century 16 movie theater on Friday. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski

Police use the bucket on a fire truck to look down on an apartment where the suspect in a theater 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 theater on Friday. The suspect is identified as 24-year-old James Holmes. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

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, hurled a gas canister and then opened fire in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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dwheeler wrote...

Take a deep breath

July 20, 2012 8:18 am

This is a tragedy, but an isolated incident. A lone gunman acting on unknown motives in Aurora, Colorado, though disturbing, should in no way be associated with a trend. There is no indication that this is related to a conspiracy or organization, so please, take a breath& think. We do not need knee jerk reactions from our populace; that leads to knee jerk reactions from our leaders. Keep the victims& their families in your thoughts& prayers, but otherwise keep living your life. YOU have nothing to fear going to see a movie. Kiss your kids& buy a movie ticket. I for one refuse to live in fear.

240813

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wrote...

very scary

July 20, 2012 9:00 am

the headline makes it sound like the shooting was just around the corner, not EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILES AWAY!

240816

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Whiteboy wrote...

Uh

July 20, 2012 9:06 am

How about running a story with what happened in Colorado first. Typical

240818

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greatbison wrote...

Perspective

July 21, 2012 5:40 am

1. Any tragedy is a tragedy. 2. I predict a huge amount of overreaction on the part of both theaters and moviegoers. Get ready for pointless security screenings to see a movie. 3. Yes, it's an overreaction. Cinema has been around for 100 years, guns a lot longer. This has happened ONCE. 4. 850 miles away is still in the USA. Learn some geography.

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Updated Jul 20, 2012 - 1:15 pm

Valley moviegoers learn of Colo. tragedy after seeing 'Dark Knight'

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