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Colorado Theatre Shooting

The Elements

By Rose GoldPublished 6 years ago 6 min read
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Tragic events occur every day, but nothing could prepare anyone for what happened on July 20th, 2012. James Eagan Holmes of Aurora, Colorado had conspired to commit first degree murder of numerous people at a movie theatre. The courageous officers and medical personnel that quickly responded saved countless lives. While everyone else was running out of the movie theater, officers were running in to end what would be one of the most appalling mass murders in our nation’s history.

Prior to arriving at the theater, James Holmes had dyed his hair to resemble the joker. He also purchased a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises. He eventually arrived head to toe in protective gear such as a ballistic helmet, a gas mask, and black gloves. His enter and exit point was arranged in a way he could take everything inside without being caught. Evidently, theater #9 was chosen to begin his slaughter. Leaving a door propped open, he returned through it with an AR- 15 rifle, 12-gauge shotgun, and one .40 caliber handgun. Eight minutes into the movie, Holmes threw two gas cans into the theater, then began firing with the shotgun. Many thought the shooting and gas was just a stunt for the movie, but they would soon realize what was occurring.

Approximately 200 police officers responded within two minutes to the chaotic and bloody aftermath that arose at Aurora movie theater. Police surrounded the building and apprehended the suspect outside the theater within seven minutes of the first 911 calls. Everyone had been running out of the building in panic, clinging on to their loved ones, seeking medical attention and a resolution to this tragic event. Many ambulances were trapped in gridlock or waited in staging areas until the scene was secure and moviegoers/parked cars were out of the way. Due to this delay in medical response, police officers took the initiative to transport the most seriously injured victims to hospitals. Many of the victims were transported via police car to hospitals or drove themselves to hospitals. The victims that were taken to the hospital survived, while others died at the scene. In total, there were 12 deceased and 70 injured.

Many factors had contributed to the best outcome possible for the situation, such as prioritizing the situation, minimizing the casualties, and apprehending the suspect were the #1 priorities in this case. Emergency responders had taken immediate action and arrived on scene vigilantly for an active shooter situation. Almost as soon as officers arrived on scene, the suspect was arrested without a struggle. The officers involved had went the extra mile to rescue victims and deescalate the situation.

Interrogation was vital to finding out if there were accomplices and what the motive was for such a heinous crime. The statement that Holmes gave to police was that there were explosives in his apartment building. Holmes's apartment on 1690 Paris St was set with a trip wire at the front door, which would trigger volatile explosives and flammable liquids if anyone entered his room. As soon as police were notified of such information, they evacuated five buildings until the bombs could be disarmed. The following day, the makeshift bombs were disarmed with a controlled detonation. The removal of the explosives consisted of 30 homemade grenades and ten gallons of gasoline.

After the removal of the make shift bombs, officers conducted a search of Holmes's apartment. Photos of Holmes were found of him trying to resemble the joker while other photos of him were in black contact lenses. The purpose? Maybe an attempt to prove he was truly insane. On his television, they found a creepy obsession with batman, gasoline in plastic bottles, arsenal, and packs of bullets. The guns and ammo discovered were legally purchased online. Holmes had a clean background and was a very bright college student, so there was no reason to suspect it would be used for something so senseless. Each of these items were counted as evidence and used in court against Holmes.

On May 13th, 2013 James Eagan Holmes plead not guilty for reason of insanity. He was taken to a Colorado mental institution to be evaluated. A jury later rejected his plea saying that “Holmes wasn’t insane enough, or insane in such a way as to preclude guilt.” This statement succeeded in the denial of his plea proving that Holmes wasn’t legally insane while committing the crime. He had planned everything out thoroughly and made a lot of effort to make it happen. He also gave a narrative to his therapist by mailing a notebook to her prior the attack. In the notebook, there were various human capital theories. He explained why he didn’t choose an airport. “To avoid assumption of a terrorist attack, Terrorism isn’t the message.” He also wrote “The message is, there is no message.” Holmes believed by committing the crime, he could add value to his life by taking the lives of others. He also said that he doesn’t want to be forgotten and wants to be remembered as a significant figure.

On August 27th, 2015, James Eagan Holmes stood before a jury. His lawyers tried to convince at least one juror that sparing his life was the correct choice. The argument made was Holmes's mental illness consumed him and was the sole reason for the murders. As his lawyers tried to humanize the killer, every ounce of evidence was used against him. Jurors found "The mental illness he indisputably suffers cannot outweigh the 12 murders. Holmes showed the victims no mercy." Holmes pleaded for clemency but definitely didn't receive it. He was found guilty on 165 counts against him. These included 24 counts of first degree murder, 140 attempted murder, and one count for possession of an explosive device. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The Aurora Theater shooting not only changed lives, but it also had a significant impact on law enforcement. A few of the impacts were made to the way shootings are responded to and how emergency responders communicate and coordinate with agencies involved. Police officers pay more attention to their emergency vehicles to make sure they don’t slow down medical care for those wounded. This situation in particular was a horrendous learning experience and “A horrific privilege” for the officers involved. Many department policies have changed locally and nationwide. Aurora police sergeant Gerry Jonsgaard stated, “I don’t think anyone who responded to that theater walked away the same person,” he said. “It’s impossible.” I completely agree with this statement because the event has changed our nation.

Uniting the community was very important for the city of Aurora. Several mourned the loss of a friend, neighbor, colleague, or family member. A remembrance ceremony for those murdered was held to pray for the victims and to support the communities need to heal. Individuals locally and nationally were shocked to know something so tragic could happen in a quiet city. The Aurora shooting was an extremely tragic day no one will ever forget.

Eight of the many responding officers describe the event as a "Horrific Privilege" and are honored as they tell their stories of responding to the incident while being one of the first on scene.

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About the Creator

Rose Gold

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