Warning Teachers: Some images and material in this video may be disturbing
A gunman armed with several weapons walked into a movie theater early Friday morning in Aurora, Colorado, and started firing rounds into the audience. The moviegoers were there to enjoy the premier of the new Batman movie, and were caught unaware when a man with a gas mask entered the theater and threw tear gas into the crowd before shooting.
Twelve people died in the incident, and 59 others were treated for injuries. After the shooting, police apprehended the suspect, 24-year-old James Holmes, without a struggle. They are not looking for any other suspects.
When police went to search Holmes's apartment, they found it booby-trapped with explosive devices.
As the community tries to digest what has happened, an outpouring of support has come from around the country. Even the presidential candidates suspended their campaigns for the day to make statements on the tragedy. They also pulled all political ads from Colorado in respect for the victims.
Quotes
"I didn't realize there was something wrong right away. I thought -- I thought it was like a firecracker or a firework or something. I thought someone was just like, oh, it's the Batman premiere, I'm going to bring some firecrackers in and throw it and get people riled up." - Donovan Tate, eyewitness.
Warm Up Questions
1. How did politicians respond to the shooting?
2. Where did this incident take place?
3. What did police find in the suspect's apartment?
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think that this event will affect the issues debated during the presidential campaign? If so, how? If not, why not?
2. Do you think events like this can be prevented?
3. Do you think this will affect theater security, or security going into other public places?
Additional Resources
Tucson Students Reflect on Shooting Tragedy
Fort Hood Community Pulls Together After Shooting Rampage
