The Cutting Edge

A casual night at the movies turned deadly at a theater outside the western U.S. city of Denver, Colorado early Friday morning Police say man opened fire during the premiere of the latest Batman movie, The Dark Night Rises, killing at least 14 people and wounding 50 others. A large audience was watching the debut of the new action adventure film based on the popular Batman comic book character, at a movie theater in the Denver suburb of Aurora. Police Chief Dan Oates says a man appeared in the front of the theater and released a device filled with gas, then began opening fire on the crowd.

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 theater, July 20, 2012. ​​"Police officers responded and found the gunman in the back of the theater outside in the parking lot in a car in possession of a gas mask, and at least a rifle and a handgun. At least one additional weapon was found inside. The shooting apparently went on for some time, " Oates said.

Police say they immediately apprehended the shooter, a man in his early 20's. Aurora Chief of Police Daniel Oates told a news conference that only one man was involved, contrary to initial reports that there may have been an accomplice. Authorities called in a bomb squad and are searching the theater and the shooter's home in Aurora for explosives.

In a statement issued by the White House, U.S. President Barack Obama says he and his wife Michelle are "shocked and saddened" by the "horrific and tragic" shooting.  The White House says the president was informed of the shooting by National Security Adviser John Brennan. FBI agents are on the scene of the shooting to assist in the investigation. The president says "we are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice," and to care for the wounded.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney also commented on the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado. “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," Romney said in a statement posted on his web site. "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."