‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Director Christopher Nolan Releases Statement on Colorado Shooting

Last Friday, just after midnight, a masked gunman opened fire in a crowded cinema of moviegoers who'd lined up to see the early morning screening of the new Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, in Aurora, Colorado. More than 70 people were shot or otherwise injured in the attack, with 12 ultimately losing their lives and several still in critical condition. With a suspect in custody and an investigation ongoing, The Dark Knight Rises director Christopher Nolan released a statement to the press expressing his condolences for the victims and loved ones of what he described as a senseless tragedy.Via Moviefone:

Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of 'The Dark Knight Rises', I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community.

I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime.

The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me.

Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families.

Everyone at ComicsAlliance joins Nolan in his sentiments for those affected by the unbelievably terrible events of that night. Most of the victims who died were in their 20s, and they'd waited in line in the middle of the night to see a Batman movie the minute it opened. These people were of our community. They were our readers, our friends, our people. We will not forget them.