Funerals have begun for the Aurora, Colorado victims of the Century 16, midnight Batman showing massacre. When 24 year-old gunman James Holmes opened fire on moviegoers this past week, 12 were killed and 58 were injured. According to news sources, the number of casualties makes the incident the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Thirty people remain hospitalized since the accident, 11 of which are in critical condition. While ten individuals died in the theater, two have since passed away at nearby hospitals. Furthermore, as the coroner identifies the dead, several have been reported missing.
Dr. Comilla Sasson, at the University of Colorado Hospital, where many of the victims were taken described the hospital as, "an absolutely terrifying scene all night." The Medical Center of Aurora received 18 patients from the shooting, seven of which were admitted.
Actor Christian Bale made a surprise visit to the injured victims of the shooting. He released the following statement, "Words cannot express the horror that I feel. I cannot begin to truly understand the pain and grief of the victims and their loved ones, but my heart goes out to them."
The event brought up the following question, what should you do in the case of a shooting?
- Report suspicious incidents to the police
- Know the lockdown procedures that many schools/workplaces have
- Respond appropriately-if a shooter is far away, run; if he is close, find cover quickly and if he is about to shoot you, do anything you can to stop him
- If you hear gunshots outside, go in the opposite direction
- If you are with a large crowd of people, order them to spread out and find cover
If you or a loved one has been injured or murdered in a shooting or other violent act, seek help from Lenahan Law Firm. The firm represents many cases including ones involving criminal negligence, murder, homicide and terrorism.