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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / David Levy)
BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT
Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly shooting at the Century Aurora
16 movie theater in Colorado.
The news shook the nation — Twelve people died and 70 others were injured after a gunman
threw tear gas and then opened fire into the crowd during the midnight premiere of the
newest Batman movie. (Via NBC)
And chilling details soon emerged. The shooter was dressed in black with a gas mask covering
his face, a ballistic helmet over his head, and a cache of deadly weapons strapped to
his body.
James Holmes was arrested minutes later in the cinema's parking lot. He eventually pleaded
not guilty by reason of insanity to 166 counts of *** and other crimes in one of the worst
mass shootings in U.S. history. (Via Fox News)
Among those who lost their lives that night were mothers, fathers, students, and even
a 6-year-old girl.
27-year-old John Thomas Larimer gave up his life to shield his girlfriend from gunshots.
(Via WMAQ)
"I felt so safe and secure around you. The time we were able to share together was short,
but that's all it took. All it took for me to fall in love with you." (Via ABC)
Jessica Ghawi survived a shooting at the Eaton Center mall in Toronto only to have her life
claimed by another one month later in Colorado. She was 24. (Via NPR)
And Alex Sullivan was at the theater celebrating his 27th birthday. The Sunday after the shooting
would have been his first wedding anniversary. (Via KDVR)
The last tweet posted to his Twitter account read, "Oh man, one hour till the movie, and
it's going to be the best birthday ever." (Via Twitter)
Though the deadly rampage only lasted a mere two minutes, the families and loved ones of
the dead are still looking for ways to heal one year later. (Via The Denver Post)
Events to honor the victims on this somber anniversary began Friday with a vigil in a
suburban Denver park. Participants read a list of names of those killed in recent gun
violence around the country and spoke about the pain of losing loved ones. (Via WXMI)
Among the attendees were some of those affected in last year's Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.
"I stand here today to support the families and the survivors of Aurora. Because it is
an all-too familiar feeling losing a loved one due to gun violence." (Via WWMT)
The city also planned several memorial events throughout the day on Saturday. A ceremony
with songs and prayers on the lawn of the Aurora Municipal Center will begin the day's
events.
Then, participants will disperse to work on community projects, including creating a memorial
garden, constructing a healing wall, meditation, and sorting medical supplies for hospitals
in need. Aurora officials hope events like these will promote some much-needed healing
in the community. (Via WTVG)
As a precaution, Century Aurora 16 has not scheduled any midnight showings for the night
and police officers have been stationed both in and outside the theater since Friday afternoon.
(Via The Denver Post)