Moviegoers thought the smoke and gunfire were part of the film. It wasn't until they saw the gunman standing in front of the screen that they understood.
The Attack
On July 20, 2012, during a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" at the Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colorado, James Holmes opened fire on the crowd. He had legally purchased four firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in the weeks before the attack. After buying a ticket and slipping out through an emergency exit, he returned in body armor and a gas mask, deployed smoke devices, and fired into the audience.
The Toll
Twelve people were killed, including a 6-year-old girl, and around 70 others were injured, most by gunfire. Holmes was arrested in the parking lot behind the theater within minutes, still wearing tactical gear.
The Booby-Trapped Apartment
Upon arrest, Holmes told police his apartment was rigged with explosives. Bomb technicians later found more than 20 explosive and incendiary devices, along with trip wires designed to trigger a large-scale explosion capable of endangering neighboring units, confirming the threat was genuine.
Trial and Sentencing
Holmes was charged with numerous counts of murder and attempted murder. He admitted to the shootings but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity; his defense argued for a life commitment to a mental institution, while prosecutors sought the death penalty. In July 2015, a jury found him guilty on all counts. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the death penalty, and on August 7, 2015, Holmes was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
FAQ
How many people died in the Aurora theater shooting?
Twelve people were killed and around 70 others were injured.
What sentence did James Holmes receive?
Life in prison without parole, after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the death penalty.
Did Holmes plan anything beyond the theater attack?
Yes. His apartment was found rigged with more than 20 explosive devices intended to detonate and cause further harm.