Aurora, Colorado: 12 Dead in Shooting Rampage at Midnight Showing of The Dark Knight Rises Read mor

[Taco-Calamitous]

Apparently this just happened... Holy shit. What the hell? Why? What was the motive behind this? So much insanity in the world... I can't properly articulate my thoughts on this. This is fucked up. Hope they find the second gunman soon... Prayers with the victims and their families...

EDIT: 14 dead, actually, and there was assumed to only be one gunman... Been watching this all night.

[Martin]

I don't swear all that often but.. ****.
That is absolutely horrific, especially as children are feared injured or worse.. What a sad sad world we live in. I feel a bit sick

[Halie]

She said a baby was shot at close range... sick. Those poor people. I honestly don't have a clue what the motive could've been because I can't fathom it myself.

[Pete]

Yknow, I hate to say it, but some people just want to watch the world burn.

There's no reason for it, and it's ****ing horrible. Maybe it was some really pissed off Marvel fan... or Tobey MacGuire upset that his franchise rebooted without him.

But really, I have no words for this. It's awful.

[nix]

It will continue to happen and get worse as the years go by, why? Cause the world is shit and people will always be pissed off at it and lash out. And seeing as America collectively still think its a good idea for all to bare arms, you will get massacres like this alot...

I honestly have no idea why arms are legal in the states, no need for them and only lead to things like this, highest murder rate in the world hands down and yis scratch your head and wonder what to do and how to prevent things like this from happening, when the fix is sooo obvious, its humourous to me

[Tallulah]

This is so awful, I could barely bring myself to read the reports. Just some people went out to enjoy a film, and some of them will never come home. It doesn't bear thinking about.

You don't expect things like this to happen. It's so shocking; there are no words.

I hope they find the bastard who did this.

[Mystyrion]

They did, he was in the parking lot.
He didn't resist arrest or even say anything for that matter.

[Josh_R]

The world is a f*cked up place, and i'm sorry to say that things like this are gonna continue to happen in the U.S. until some change is made. With that said even if change is made it isn't gonna stop somebody who is mentally f*cked up from doing something like this again.

My heart goes out to then family of all those who lost somebody in this tragic event.

[Clint]

Yet another reason for the federal government to rape us of our rights. Incidents like these are the reason why America is doomed for socialism.

I hope that jackass gets put down for what he did. He took over a dozen lives. He doesn't deserve a life of his own.

If he doesn't get death, at least he'll spend the rest of his pathetic existence behind bars.

[Imposter]

So the ending is that bad huh?

Sorry, this isn't really something to joke about. Sympathies go out to the families of those who were killed. I didn't see anything mentioning a second gunman...is that confirmed? I agree with Pete some people just want to cause damage, it sucks that it happened.

Do you think this is going to start cinema security?

[Taco-Calamitous]

Yknow, I hate to say it, but some people just want to watch the world burn.

Interesting you should say that, because apparently he painted his hair red, "Like the Joker," he said. Also something about not being able to get a job after college.

The numbers keep on changing, and getting bigger. The news interviewed the father of a six year old girl who died and who's wife had been shot too. Filmed his back. He was deceptively calm; you could tell in his voice. Obviously a lot of pain there. I can only imagine.

France canceled their premieres. I kinda expect this is an isolated event, but I couldn't help but feel worried about my friends who were at the midnight showing last night. This kind of thing has happened before and will happen again, but it's still really shocking and sad when it happens. I wouldn't have expected a shooting in a movie theater for some reason, I guess because I don't understand any correlation for a motive at all, except chaos.

[Hobaginator]

I'm looking at an article onlineTheater Shooting Revives Assualt Weapons Debate - ABC News.

"there are awful things that happen but there already are laws that are designed to protect people and unfortunately people violate the laws,"

This. What we need isn't more gun control laws, because the bads can get their hands on automatic weapons. Civis who follow the laws are at a disadvantage already with that. To ban assualt style weapons would make us even more vulnerable in our homes, and to ban guns outright would mean massacres like this would happen more often.

The theater that the shooting happened at had a ban on concealed weapons. That is their right, but it also marked every single moviegoer as easy prey to a coward. He walked in there knowing his targets would be unarmed civilians. If the theater had no ban on concealed weapons, and the public were able to arm themselves in preparation for psychotic events like this to happen, there would have been less casualties. I guarantee it.

It's bleeding heart lefties that allow tragedies like this to take full effect. Let us carry our guns. We'll shoot the bad guys before they shoot babies. That's my two cents.

[Sasquatch]

And seeing as America collectively still think its a good idea for all to bare arms, you will get massacres like this alot...

If the Americans at that theater were allowed to protect themselves, this would have ended more quickly, with a trained civilian taking the gunman out before he could get off anywhere near enough shots to change magazines.

... highest murder rate in the world hands down ...

Wrong. But go ahead, keep spouting your bullshit.

This guy just shot dozens of people and murdered 14 of them. Do you really think he would have given a damn about gun laws?

Do you think this is going to start cinema security?

Apparently, the same theater did use cinema security for some other big-name movies, but I'm not sure why they decided against it for this one.

What we need isn't more gun control laws, because the bads can get their hands on automatic weapons. Civis who follow the laws are at a disadvantage already with that. To ban assualt style weapons would make us even more vulnerable in our homes, and to ban guns outright would mean massacres like this would happen more often.

It's pretty difficult for anybody to acquire an automatic firearm, actually. They are traced and registered so much already, and they're so damn expensive that anybody who has one will protect it quite a bit to make sure it isn't stolen (most places require annual check-ins with local police with things like automatic firearms, to make sure you still have it, and if it's stolen, it's very illegal to not report it immediately.)

And this guy used an AR-15, which, by definition, is not an assault rifle (despite the name). The AR15 is a sporter rifle, sometimes a target rifle, but for it to be an assault rifle, it would have to have a selectable rate of fire -- like the M16 it's modeled after has "Semi" and "Burst", or, originally, "Semi" and "Auto" (full auto). But liberals have tried to use the "assault weapons" ban to make illegal anything that they think looks scary.

[Dranzer]

She said a baby was shot at close range... sick. Those poor people. I honestly don't have a clue what the motive could've been because I can't fathom it myself.

Yeah, a three month old infant I believe. .

The whole thing is disgusting, but to blame it on "America not having better gun control" is absurd. People kill people, guns do not. If civilians were able to defend themselves better, it might have saved a few lives. However, that's hypothetical and pointless. That nut job would have gotten his hands on a firearm with or without stricter laws. There are sick people in the world, and we should have the right to protect ourselves from said individuals.

I'm also going to comment on the fact that my right to bear arms is in place to not only allow me to protect my property and my life, but also from a corrupt government. Ironic, but it seems people forget that fun fact.

End of my two cents, my prayers have gone out to the victims and their families already. What's this world coming to?

[loaf]

It's sad indeed, that the first thing that came to mind was I wondering if someone pretending to be Batman would come and try and stop them.

[Hobaginator]

It's pretty difficult for anybody to acquire an automatic firearm, actually. They are traced and registered so much already, and they're so damn expensive that anybody who has one will protect it quite a bit to make sure it isn't stolen (most places require annual check-ins with local police with things like automatic firearms, to make sure you still have it, and if it's stolen, it's very illegal to not report it immediately.)

Yes, it is difficult to aquire automatic firearms, but not impossible. We have black market imports to worry about. It's also possible to modify the firing pins on certain firearms to achieve an automatic rate of fire. All it takes is a little know-how and to know the right (or wrong) people. Firearms popular with drug dealers: Mac-10, Tech-9, SKS. (Their semi-automatic firing pin counterparts can be modified to be made fully-automatic without need of aquiring additional parts.)
It's not hard at all to modify a shotgun into a sawed-off, making it into a designated WMD.
Molotov cocktails are one of the easiest WMDs to make.
Pipe bombs are a little bit more complex, but easy enough for kids to make.
Car bombs are incredibly deadly, and fairly easy to manufacture. Pipe bomb under a gas tank, for example.
Let me not forget to mention all sorts of nasty toxic substances that can easily be bought at local auto shops, pool stores, and etc that can be turned into explosive devices, gas grenades, firebombs and more.

Give me a month and 10 grand and I could aquire and manufacture everything that I've listed above. I'm not saying this to brag, because that would be arrogant. I'm saying this to point out how easily the baddies can arm themselves if they have a little know-how.

It is of the upmost importance that the average every-day civillian be allowed and encouraged to aquire concealed carry weapons permits and taught how to use firearms in a safe and effective manner in terms of gun safety, use of the firearm, and in knowledge of situations in which deadly force is neccessary and how to quell a situation with the least escalation of violence possible.

The best defense for the U.S. citizen is what it's always been... a head on their shoulders and a gun on their hip.

[che]

If the Americans at that theater were allowed to protect themselves, this would have ended more quickly, with a trained civilian taking the gunman out before he could get off anywhere near enough shots to change magazines.

Wrong. But go ahead, keep spouting your bullshit.

This guy just shot dozens of people and murdered 14 of them. Do you really think he would have given a damn about gun laws?

Apparently, the same theater did use cinema security for some other big-name movies, but I'm not sure why they decided against it for this one.

It's pretty difficult for anybody to acquire an automatic firearm, actually. They are traced and registered so much already, and they're so damn expensive that anybody who has one will protect it quite a bit to make sure it isn't stolen (most places require annual check-ins with local police with things like automatic firearms, to make sure you still have it, and if it's stolen, it's very illegal to not report it immediately.)

And this guy used an AR-15, which, by definition, is not an assault rifle (despite the name). The AR15 is a sporter rifle, sometimes a target rifle, but for it to be an assault rifle, it would have to have a selectable rate of fire -- like the M16 it's modeled after has "Semi" and "Burst", or, originally, "Semi" and "Auto" (full auto). But liberals have tried to use the "assault weapons" ban to make illegal anything that they think looks scary.

Not liberals, uneducated people. And I agree with everything else you say, except for the fact that it's hard to get guns. I dunno much about Colorado, but I do know that if someone really wanted a gun they could get one. You're speaking (I assume) specifically about acquiring one legally. I'm unaware if the shooter's firearm was registered in his name or not.

I've seen people on my facebook joking about a "real supervillain" being at batman premier, etc. He's not a supervillain, he was/is just some weak individual that decided he could take the lives of more important people than himself. ****ing scum.

I don't even know what else to say.

[Pete]

Yknow, I hate to be that guy, but who the **** brings a 3 month old and a 6 year old to the movies at midnight... to see freakin Batman.

That's just some bad parenting right there.

[OceanEyes28]

Well, yeah, I'd consider myself a liberal (social, anyway), but I still sort of wish there had been a trained concealed carrier somewhere in the theater. I do mean trained, someone who goes to the firing range often, etc... not someone who would have fired wildly, possibly injuring more unarmed civilians. Also, as someone with my concealed carry license.... it makes me want to consider carrying more often. I very rarely do, if ever.

I think there's going to be a knee-jerk reaction to up gun control, but as it's been said before, that really only affects the people who want to attain guns legally. Sasquatch made a good point... if this dude was willing to murder a theater of people, I imagine getting an illegal gun would be the easy part.

Imo, a solution to gun violence is not stricter gun laws, but a shift in our entire culture. We are still a very relativist, "what's good for me is what's true," "I deserve it," "might makes right" nation. We wear a thin veil of civilization, but if we were really so enlightened as a whole, the self-absorbed power play of taking over the lives of innocent strangers would be way more shocking than it currently and actually is.

That said... I am very sobered by the events of last night/this morning. And I hope the victims can find peace. I can't even imagine what the survivors are suffering.

EDIT: Yes, yes, no concealed carry weapons in theaters, bars, govt. buildings, etc... but I sort of wish that there had been last night. And my reaction was to actually consider carrying.

[che]

Yknow, I hate to be that guy, but who the **** brings a 3 month old and a 6 year old to the movies at midnight... to see freakin Batman.

That's just some bad parenting right there.

While I agree with you, I'd hate even more to be the guy who brings a ****ing AR-15.

[Dranzer]

Yknow, I hate to be that guy, but who the **** brings a 3 month old and a 6 year old to the movies at midnight... to see freakin Batman.

That's just some bad parenting right there.

I was wondering if anyone was going to point that out, I asked the same question an hour ago. XD No sense I suppose.

[Order]

People get shot in countries that dont allow civillians to own guns.
Japan, for example. Of course stabbings are more common, but the point is that stopping a criminal is a matter deterence (threat of punishment) and presence of force. Since police cant be everywhere and can sometimes be a long way out when a crazy does something like this, it is good to allow law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for selfdefense.

I think many peoe from other countries believe that any american can stuff a .380 in their pocket and take it anywhere.
In actuality, its not so simple. In order to buy a pistol legally, an american must pass a background check, then the firearm is registered to them. To carry a concealed handgun, a person is required to attend a safety class, pass an exam, pass a practice fire at the range, and send an application to the sheriff.

I understand how it can be confusing, especially after hearing so many people say it but...
Criminals dont follow laws. If they want a gun, theyll get one. Outlawing firearms in america only takes guns away from citizens who already follow the law and willingly turn in their guns.

To get on topic,
I feel for the victims and their loved ones.
It doesnt matter why anyone was there or how late their children were up, americans should feel safe going to any movie theater any time.
The problem is this crazy managed to stay under the radar up to that point.

Also, a concealed carrier knows you cant take a gun to the movies. Places which cjarge admission are no carry zones.

[Alpha]

I feel like gun control in America is a Pandora's Box. Here, getting a gun is very difficult, and handguns are outright illegal. We don't have the issue of arm smuggling, true, but criminals very rarely have guns. The only ones that have, have been national issues, and people can tell you the nanes of gun criminals from 30 years ago with ease. Police do not carry guns, not even in their vehicles. If a criminal has a gun, a small specialist police unit is deployed to handle the situation.

I'd never advocate laxer gun laws here. Citizens having arms would only create an arms race with criminals and crazy persons. The police don't need them. It's a nice equilibrium.

But now that the United States is essentially armed to its teeth, there's no going back. Maybe you guys are right about people carrying concealed firarms into the cinema. As weird as I find that... tbh I'd actually feel less safe and I'd call the police, who'd evacuate the building.

It's a damn weird situation and I feel sad about this tragedy. I just wish we knew how to avoid it.

[RagnaToad]

What purpose does cancelling the Paris premiere serve?

Also, I'm already dreading the milking of this incident by the media.

Relevant:
News Coverage of Schoolshooting - YouTube

[OceanEyes28]

I already figured I'd have to hide from the internet to avoid batman spoilers. Now I have to hide from it to avoid the celebrity status of an asshole. The more I read/hear, the more my stomach hurts. Anything I read about the victims makes my eyes water.

[nix]

If the Americans at that theater were allowed to protect themselves, this would have ended more quickly, with a trained civilian taking the gunman out before he could get off anywhere near enough shots to change magazines.

Wrong. But go ahead, keep spouting your bullshit.

This guy just shot dozens of people and murdered 14 of them. Do you really think he would have given a damn about gun laws?

Apparently, the same theater did use cinema security for some other big-name movies, but I'm not sure why they decided against it for this one.

It's pretty difficult for anybody to acquire an automatic firearm, actually. They are traced and registered so much already, and they're so damn expensive that anybody who has one will protect it quite a bit to make sure it isn't stolen (most places require annual check-ins with local police with things like automatic firearms, to make sure you still have it, and if it's stolen, it's very illegal to not report it immediately.)

And this guy used an AR-15, which, by definition, is not an assault rifle (despite the name). The AR15 is a sporter rifle, sometimes a target rifle, but for it to be an assault rifle, it would have to have a selectable rate of fire -- like the M16 it's modeled after has "Semi" and "Burst", or, originally, "Semi" and "Auto" (full auto). But liberals have tried to use the "assault weapons" ban to make illegal anything that they think looks scary.

Sorry, i should have said; excluding third world countries. But yeah one minor inaccuracy and you pander it all as bullshit

You misunderstand my point about the guns access, I'm saying if guns were illegal and you couldn't by them then he wouldn't have access to said weapons. He wouldn't be able to walk into a firing range like a bowling alley to hone his aim/game etc

So where is a 24 year old college student gonna get a ****in arsenal? No shops to buy them from, people on "the street" wont have any guns to rob to resell illegally. So the only way to get them in would be to smuggle.. And this piece of shit couldnt even cope with life i cant see him goin over the border to deal with even more unsavoury types, would have to learn the lingo too..Then there is the whole getting it back over the border part..

So if he didnt have highly easy access to guns, he would have been storming that theater with a chainsaw or nail gun

[Pete]

Nix, for starters, you have to understand certain things about America, and certain states in general.

I know a few people who live in Colorado, and they've explained why they have guns. There are a lot of Mexican drug traffickers who are bringing their product through small roads and towns, distributing and whatnot. One kid I know was actually chased for miles simply because he was white, had to knock on a neighbors door to seek refuge, and they had pulled a shotgun to scare the gangs.

Sometimes, the police can't be there in 2 minutes to quell a situation. Sometimes you have to take extraordinary means to defend your own life.

Plus, it is part of American history, and almost doctrine to be able to own a firearm. The right to bear arms means just that, you are allowed to own one for protection, hunting, etc. NOT to maim and kill your fellow man for fun. Responsibility is a major part of gun ownership, and I think it would be safe to say that 98% of gun owners are responsible, mature owners. Blaming guns is not the answer.

[Joxsjua]

y'all need to chill out about all this paranoia crap(except the GD squint eastwood) that the gov'ment is going to take your guns away any time soon. The real solution to these acts of terrorism is creating stricter/harsher punishments. At most this guy's going to sit in box for the rest of his life, some harassment and possible prison rape. He now doesn't have to worry about any of the college loans he accrued, and all his medical and food expenses have been pawned off to others.

I believe anyone who is serving a life sentence should automatically be put on the donor list. The average white 6'0" American is worth $200,000 after having all his organs, skin and corneas harvested. Good way to pay of their free-ride at least..
Creating more extreme punishments would detour a lot of bad behavior. Look at Canada with their lower crime rates, they gotta be doing something right.. Good way to get those drunks off the roads and make the 1st DUI a felony with a possibility of having your car crushed into a cube instead of a lil slap with a few days in jail and $2000 total bill after fines and insurance rates rise.

Did anyone read the link last night that Tele posted(it was edited since) had a single word description of the suspect as being "Indian" ... didn't know if I was supposed to look for a descendant of India or a Native American. Turned out he was some white kid from college that couldn't find a job.

My heart goes to everyone that were directly affected by the event, especially to family members of the victims R.I.P.

I don't condone bringing your babies to a midnight movie debut.

[Yoko]

Jox, do some damn research. The crime rate in Canada is actually pretty high too. One of the ladies that was killed in the shooting had survived another shooting in Toronto a few weeks earlier. I hear about shootings in Toronto almost weekly. I've also been avoiding the news for that reason as well. Before you start shooting off facts, do some research. Just saying.

What happened in Colorado is something I have been hearing about waaaaaaaay too ****ing often. What drives people to do this kind of stuff? How the **** do we make it stop?! No one knows, but I really want this to stop before it hits home for myself or someone I care about. Its traumatic. I dream about getting shot sometimes and its not pretty. I'm scared to go anywhere alone because of it. I'm probably not the only one that feels this way. Things are starting to get closer and closer to home and it scares me.....a lot.

[Merlin]

So where is a 24 year old college student gonna get a ****in arsenal? No shops to buy them from, people on "the street" wont have any guns to rob to resell illegally. So the only way to get them in would be to smuggle.. And this piece of shit couldnt even cope with life i cant see him goin over the border to deal with even more unsavoury types, would have to learn the lingo too..Then there is the whole getting it back over the border part..

Yeah because the shit ton of illegal drugs in the US that were manufactured outside our borders are so hard to obtain. Oh and I vote that you volunteer to go door-to-door and ask people to hand over their guns. Tell me how that works out for you. >_<