Spirits Fall at ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

 

By now we have all heard about the shooting at the Century 16 theater in Aurora, CO. I can’t even begin to understand why someone would do something like this. How does hurting and killing people make sense, ever? Life is too short as it is, why would anyone want to make it shorter? This is something I cannot understand no matter how hard I try. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved and affected by this senseless tragedy. I will be observing a moment of silence and thought for all the victims tomorrow morning, Sat. July 21st, at 12:30 A.M. Please join me in doing this.

Now that I have let my personal feelings out, here is what I know about what happened:

At about 12:30 A.M. local time the suspected gunman, identified as 24-year-old James Holmes, stood at the front of one of the Century 16 theaters at the Aurora Mall where “The Dark Knight Rises” was playing. Witnesses reported that the gunman entered the theater through an emergency exit door and threw a gas canister before opening fire. The suspect first fired up toward the ceiling, as if to scare people, and then started spraying the audience. Police, ambulances and emergency crews swarmed on the scene after frantic calls started flooding the 911 switchboard. Authorities had confirmed 12 deaths Friday morning, but there are reports that a 13th victim has died. Officers found Holmes near a car behind the theater. He surrendered without resistance. Police recovered four guns at the theater – one shotgun, two pistols and what is believed to be an assault rifle. Authorities also recovered a gas mask. The suspect also had a bullet proof vest, ballistic helmet and military SWAT clothing. Authorities were testing unidentified explosives in his vehicle, though their exact nature is unclear. The suspect’s vehicle was parked at the rear of the complex, near the emergency exit where he was reported to have entered from. There’s no evidence of any other attackers. There was also no immediate word of any motive. Police were at Holmes’ Denver-area apartment and confirmed that it was apparently booby-trapped and had evacuated other residents of the building. Police saw what looked like “buckets of extra ammunition” and some kind of chemical inside his home. It could take hours or days to safely enter the apartment.

I truly hope that someday things like this become a thing of the distant past.

May We Pray for Kile

          It was recently reported that Usher’s stepson, Kile Glover, is still in critical condition from the jet ski accident that occurred last week. Kile and a 15 year old girl were on an inner tube that was being towed by a pontoon boat in Lake Lanier when suddenly a jet ski crashed into them. The 15 year old girl has not been identified and her condition is unknown. A 38 year old man was driving the jet ski and it was reported no alcohol was involved. Kile was taken by helicopter to the Children’s Healthcare at Egelston Hospital in Atlanta. Kile was pronounced brain dead on Sunday. His family reported to CNN, “We know God’s in control, and are leaning on our faith in Him and His word at this most difficult time. We firmly believe in the power of prayer and ask that you all continue to pray and lift Kile up, as it’s the best way we can all support him now.”  It saddens me deeply that this child is in such a critical state. I can’t imagine what it would be like as a parent to go through this very difficult time. Let us all pray for Kile and keep faith in God’s will.