Colorado Theater Shooting: Gunman kills at least 12 people, dozens more wounded at Batman screening, police say
(CBS/AP) AURORA, Colo. - Police said a gunman opened fire early Friday on the opening night of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises," at a suburban Denver movie theater, killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others.
Pictures: Colo. police: 12 dead, dozens wounded in shooting at Batman movie
The gunman stood at the front of the theater and fired into the crowd at about 12:30 a.m. at a Century 16 theater in a mall in Aurora. He is now in custody and his name hasn't been released.
"Witnesses tell us he released some sort of canister. They heard a hissing sound and some gas emerged and the gunman opened fire," Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said at a news conference.
Police, ambulances and emergency crews swarmed to the scene with officers running in and telling people to leave the theater. Some police were reportedly carrying and dragging bodies.
Officers later found the gunman near a car behind the theater with a gas mask, rifle, handgun and another weapon, Oates said. There was no evidence of any other attackers and there was also no immediate word of any motive.
Police were later at a Denver-area apartment and evacuated other residents of the building after the suspect spoke of possible explosives in his residence.
"We are dealing with that potential threat," Oates said.
He did not say whether any explosives were found. Police also checked for explosives in the parking lot and at the Century 16 theater and secured those areas.
Oates said 10 victims died at the theater and four died at area hospitals. At least 24 people were being treated at Denver-area hospitals.
Medical Center of Aurora treated eleven people for gunshots that ranged from minor to critical condition. Two others walked in to be treated for tear gas contamination. Denver Health had seven victims, one in critical and the rest in fair condition. Spokeswoman Nicole Williams said two people in critical condition were rushed to nearby Swedish Medical Center.
The youngest victim reported was a 6-year-old being treated at Children's Hospital Colorado, where a total of six victims were taken. Their condition wasn't known.
President Barack Obama said he was saddened by the "horrific and tragic shooting," pledging that his administration was "committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded."
