Last night the Film the dark night rises was released at midnight showings across the nation. One of the theaters showing this premier was the Aurora Century 16. There was so much interest in the film that they had opened 3 more theaters than originally planned to do additional showings and ticket sales. It was all supposed to be a lighthearted and bittersweet end the Christopher Nolan directed trilogy of the Dark Knight. But a 24 year old medical student from Riverside California had other plans. Roughly 2/3rds through the film James Holmes entered the theater and opened fire on the people in the third row and then moved his gun further up the mass of people peppering the entire audience with bullets. Unloading multiple clips into the crowd of people who were left with two choices. Cower in fear hoping to be missed or try to escape by running AT the assailing gunman standing at the bottom of the theater by the exits. When all was said and done the carnage stood at 50 injured individuals, and 10 dead on the scene. several people where rushed to the hospital where 2 more passed away leaving this mans death toll currently at 12, the same as columbine high school.

As James finished is "work" he calmly walked out the back doors of the theater and to his car where he was quickly found by many officers with a SMILE on his face (such is the account of witnesses) and putting up ZERO resistance turns himself in to police. Where it is said he then let them know that he had booby trapped his apartment with many explosive devices. An apartment in a building set aside ONLY for medical students.


Now this is ALL I will say on James Holmes. I will not comment on who he is as a person for I don't know. I can not speak to his motivations for I do not now. I can only speak for his actions. and his actions spoke volumes of evil.


I live in aurora Colorado. I had spent the day planning to attend the showing at the Aurora 16. I had had a rough day at work and good friend of mine had stood by me through this day so I wanted him to join me. He said He would get back to me around 9:30. Being an impatient fellow I decided to just buy the tickets online to be sure I got seats. After 6 failed attempts to buy the tickets using the online system it became apparent that I would have to purchase them at the theater due to some "glitch" in the system. At 9:45 my friend contacted us saying another of his friends also wanted to see the film and had already purchased tickets at ANOTHER theater. The other theater was far more expensive and as me an my wife where deciding to just go to "our theater" our friend told us that he didn't know for sure why but he just had to have us with him. So he promptly purchased our tickets.

We were not at the aurora when it was hit. We were at Southland's some several miles away. We enjoyed our film and came home where I was able to crawl into my bed with my wife and sleep soundly. We where awakened this morning to calls and texts inquiring about our safety and if we were, in fact, alive. this is how I learned of James' attack. I have since heard from friends who were at the theater and in fact EXPERIENCED the shooting. and the only word they can use is terrifying. The only word I can use for myself and my family is blessed. Blessed not only that I was spared but also blessed that I can share this story with you and be given the opportunity to lead you in a simple prayer.


Father in heaven.
we ask only for peace.
Peace in the hearts of those racked by terror.
Peace in the minds of those asking why.
Peace for those who lost their lives needlessly.
Peace for those still fighting.
Peace for the officers hanging from windows trying to prevent further loss.
There has been enough pain. Now we ask for peace.
Amen.



(edit)Folks I am going to ask that this not turn into a thread of people Bashing James for what he did. We should focus on those that need our help and prayers. NOT this individual. thank you. If we all start going willy nilly at james we will loose sight of what is important and that is the needed prayer and healing for those who have been hurt. thank you

If the only comment that comes to mind is one about James then please refrain from commenting at this time.