GirlsGuideTo | OMG: Tragic Shooting in Colorado Movie Theater

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that 12 people have been killed, and over 35 wounded, in a tragic shooting early this morning in Aurora, Colorado. Our thoughts go out to everyone who witnessed the attack and all the family and friends affected by this tragedy. Shortly after a midnight premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises” began, a heavily armed gunman tossed tear gas into the darkened theater and then sprayed the audience with gunfire. It truly is a grim morning. Police have taken a 24-year old man named James Holmes, who gave himself up willingly, into custody.

I think one of the saddest parts of this whole thing is that the audience thought it was a part of the show, a special effect accompanying the movie.

Warner Bros., the studio behind the movie, said the company and filmmakers were "deeply saddened" to learn of the incident. The studio canceled the movie's Paris premiere, while New York police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said his officers would watch over screenings of "The Dark Knight" to prevent copycat shootings.

At this point, we don’t know much about Holmes, but it’s thought that there are no ties to international terrorism. He also was not in the military. There is no apparent motive, but it clearly was a planned attack, as he figured out how to sneak in through an emergency exit, was wearing a gas mask, and had several weapons in addition to the tear gas “bombs.” He doesn’t have any prior history with crime except for a traffic violation. His apartment is booby trapped with explosives and police are currently trying to find them and deactivate them safely.

If you are planning to see the movie this weekend (I know I still am), stay cautious, but stay calm. Like I said, in large cities there will be extra police prescence. And remember, all the rest of us are just as distraught and horrified by this even as you are. There was no specific tie in to the movie (that we know of at this point) so certainly stay safe, but try not to stress yourself out over the idea of a copycat.

Our verdict: This is so tragically sad. It is simply a senseless tragedy and the day is full of heartbreak. It is beyond reason. It’s hard to know what goes through someone’s mind as they plan and decide to take others lives in such a horrible, violent and chaotic way. I don’t think any of us can understand.

If we can take one thing from this tragedy, let’s remember that life is fragile. Our time here is precious and oh so limited. What matters is not the trivial things, the day-to-day worries we face. It’s how we treat each other and love one another.