Gunman Kills 12 at "The Dark Knight Rises"

                The showing of the new Batman movie in Aurora, CO was the scene of a horrendous and bizarre tragedy. A young, astute Ph.D. candidate, entered the Century Theater soon after midnight, armed to the “teeth” and committed the unthinkable. One witness said that the man dressed in black “threw a canister across the theater,” unleashing a noxious gas, “then started shooting.” The killer began firing at the same time that a shootout was unfolding on the screen. Some thought it was all part of the show; but pandemonium broke out, leaving 12 people dead and some 50 wounded.

                Those who tried to help victims were hindered because of the effects of the gas. Gasping for air, they were running past bodies strewn in the aisles, unable to assist them. Folks were killed just trying to shield their loved ones from the bullets. A witness who saw the gunman remarked, “He looked so calm when he did it.” That’s significant, seeing that the facts point to the calculated, premeditated attack of this “brilliant” murderer. His meticulous plan was executed precisely on schedule, and thankfully his gun jammed during the spree, preventing further atrocities. His “booby-trapped” apartment was a further indication of his diabolical intention to kill as many as he could.

                How could such a intelligent young man like James Holmes commit such an atrocity? Especially since he had no history of violence or mental illness?  Yes, he was a “loner,” but so are many people  who never commit such acts. No one but James knows what has captured his dark mind over time. Intellect is one thing, but a negative, corrupted mind is another. Education is not a “catch-all;” in fact, some of the most brilliant people are in the penitentiary. Some have blamed “guns” and the “Second Amendment,” but since when have guns killed people apart from a human trigger finger? Guns are neutral, but humans are not; and with a murderous, angry heart, they will “take out” their victims with the weapon of choice, whether a gun, a knife, or a hammer. Only God can give a man a “new heart,” by faith in Christ.

                This man is not insane, but a cold, calculated killer! His silent stare in the court room must no be misinterpreted. Since he is sane, he must have some remorse and/or depression; but this condition is a consequence rather than the cause. Everything points to a man saturated with the “dark side” of a violent society which continues to feed the minds of our youth, who hopefully will not follow James Holmes’ example.

                 Hearts across the nation prayerfully reach out to the many victims and their families. Lives will be gone forever, while the surviving loved ones and those wounded will need special grace to heal. Concern is also in order for James Holmes’ parents, who obviously face indescribable personal and emotional anguish.