The Red Band Project

Police on the scene at the Century 16 theaters in Aurora, Colorado. (Photo via The Denver Post)

In what was supposed to be a weekend celebrating and enjoying The Dark Knight Rises has instead turned to tragedy. As midnight screenings were about to unspool on the West Coast and here in Hawaii, a gunman opened fire just minutes into a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado. As of this posting 15 are confirmed dead with 50 more wounded.

According to eyewitness reports, the gunman’s barrage coincided with a shootout that was taking place in the film–confusing moviegoers as the gunfire was masked by what was occurring on screen. There are also reports of explosions involving gas or smoke that also went off in the theater. Police do have a suspect in custody and are still collecting evidence and information related to the event.

Eyewitness accounts describing the gunman and his actions from NBC 9 News Denver and The Denver Post.

More photos from Century 16 in Aurora, Colorado via The Denver Post.

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When I first heard the news of the shooting I was in the packed lobby of Consolidated Ward 16 Theatres checking out the attendance for midnight screenings of The Dark Knight Rises. Going to the movies is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable experience–not something to fear. Hearing the news from Aurora, Colorado definitely extinguished the excitement I had for seeing the film.

If you’re like me a lot of things go through your mind when you think about what happened . . . Why did this happen? What would make someone do this? What this person crazy? On drugs? I definitely went through a wave of emotions; from excitement, to astonishment, to anger, to frustration, and finally sadness.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families in Aurora.

With no good way to really transition out of this tragic news and without being unsympathetic, we segue now to the potential consequences for The Dark Knight Rises. If my enthusiasm for the film was doused after hearing this news will other Americans feel the same? Will the film now be associated with this tragedy? All these questions and more started pouring in from the movie blogosphere via Twitter:

Will people planning big #tdkr outings stay home in the wake of the #aurora tragedy? And will theaters beef up security?

— Steven Zeitchik (@ZeitchikLAT) July 20, 2012

#aurora question that needs to be asked: Do modern features like Imax, effects and surround-sound make it harder to detect a threat? 1/2

— Steven Zeitchik (@ZeitchikLAT) July 20, 2012

The unforeseen consequence of Hollywood’s attempt to create an immersive theatrical experience. 2/2 #Aurora

— Steven Zeitchik (@ZeitchikLAT) July 20, 2012

European Exhibitors Increase Security After ‘Dark Knight Rises’ Shootings in U.S. j.mp/NCXv1m

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 20, 2012

Undoubtedly, we cannot. Don’t even ask. It’s a non-starter in this demented place. /RT @meghanor: Can we please talk about gun control now?

— Scott Rosann (@lateandsoon) July 20, 2012

Only time will tell if any of our questions will be answered.