The death toll has risen since reports first surfaced about the shooting at a Dark Knight Rises movie screening on Colorado. Police say at least 12 people were killed by a shooter, who police believe to be 24-year-old local James Holmes. He was arrested at the scene after cops found him near a car at the back of the theater.
A frightening 911 call gives a hint of the chaos that erupted after the shooter entered the theater with a rifle, handgun, and explosives and began his killing spree.
Pentagon officials say members of the U.S. military are among the dead and 50 people injured, as well as a number of children. So far, he doesn't appear to have terrorist ties and his motive is still unknown. But investigators are searching his home and looking for explosives and other devices that may be there. They have also learned more details about the alleged gunman's background.
Profiles of Holmes are steadily emerging. According to the Associated Press, he dropped out of the University of Colorado Medical School in Denver last month.
More from The Stir: Parents of Baby at 'Dark Knight' Massacre Need Compassion Not Judgment
The Denver Post reported that in an apartment application filled out last year, he described himself as student who was "easy going" while other tenants called him a "recluse." One neighbor said Holmes kept to himself and wouldn't acknowledge people when they passed in the hall and said hello. "No one knew him. No one," he said.
The crime in this tiny town has shaken the nation, prompting both President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to break from campaigning to comment on the tragedy.
Hear the frightening 911 call here:
Listen to President Obama's comments:
What do you think motivated this shooter?
Image via University of Colorado Denver
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Comments 31
Don't call him crazy - that means a few months in a mental hospital, then miraculously cured and released. He is evil and he must be destroyed. Too bad the old man from the internet cafe (shot the robbers) wasn't there to save the day.
If the media and everyone else stopped worrying about the whys & wherefores, these whack-jobs wouldn't get the attention they seek, the only way they can get their picture in the paper and their face on TV. I don't give a shit WHY. Neither did people in past centuries . . . they just hung them. All the money and time this will create for taxpayers is such a waste. I say he's worth less than the ten cent bullet they should put through his head. Over and done with.
the baby didnt even get shot it was the smoke nothing happened to the baby it was a precaution, THE BABYS ALIVE. done
there is no death penalty in CO so he will not get the chair or injection he will live a cozy 3 meals a day solitary life (which he is used to living already) where he will not have to do a thing to support himself. he will not be with other inmates because of his violent behavior and risk to the health of the population. done
the booby trapped apt is crazy. maybe hes going to try to escape and be a crime lord like the joker, and needs a good distraction. or maybe he was certaint they would be tripped that night and destroy the evidence. though thats stupid to think since he told the police about it.
this is how life goes its not fair to anyone who does right and doesnt matter how many of you complain about it why dont you focus on trying to honor the victims instead of spread a unified hatred that he probably wants.
lucretia maybe you can be his prison wife
Why is everyone quoting scriptures?
Scripture is NOT the final word, but if you want to quote it, go to the part of the bible that talks about an eye for an eye.
I have no ide what his motive was.
A better question would be What was the security like at the movie theatre? I can't even get past the ticket agent without my ticket stub at my local theatre...