Police gather outside the Century 16 movie theatre in Colorado where 12 people were killed. Ed Andrieski/AP
Federal agencies respond to Colorado shootings
FBI, DHS are supporting efforts to probe movie theater killings.
Federal agencies are on the scene in Colorado responding to a shooting in a movie theater early Friday morning.
The attack left 12 people dead and 50 others wounded, according to local officials. It took place during a screening of the movie The Dark Knight Rises.
“I am deeply saddened by the terrible shooting in Aurora, Colorado," said Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. "Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies continue to respond to this horrific event and I have directed the Department of Homeland Security to provide any support necessary in the ongoing investigation."
ABC News reported that 100 FBI agents were on the scene, assisting local law enforcement in the investigation.
The Associated Press reported that federal law enforcement officials had identified the suspect in the shootings as James Holmes, 24.
President Obama issued a statement saying, "federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded."
Army spokesman George Wright tweeted Friday morning that the suspect "has no record of service" with the Army, the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. The Pentagon told Reuters that several service members were victims in the shooting.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Friday morning, “We do not believe at this point there was an apparent nexus to terrorism” in the shootings. The White House noted in its statement that Homeland Security advisor John Brennan was the first to inform the president Friday morning.
In remarks in Fort Myers, Fla., before a crowd gathered for a canceled campaign event, President Obama said, “the federal government stands ready to do whatever is necessary to bring whoever is responsible for this heinous crime to justice.” President Obama later issued a proclamation that flags fly at half-mast until July 25 in honor of the victims.
During a press conference Friday afternoon, FBI Special Agent James Yacone told reporters that agents from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of Justice’s Joint Terrorism Task Force were on site for the investigation.