The 'Batman' shooting in Denver, Colorado, has left 14 people dead, including a 3-month-old baby, according to Michael Booth, a medical writer for the Denver Post. Eyewitnesses say the gunman - who was quickly arrested - walked into the screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises' wearing body armour and a gas mask and opened fire on the crowds.

Reports suggest another individual propped the door open for the gunman, though these are as yet unconfirmed. Local reporter Justin Joseph of KDVR said that the moment Batman - played by Christian Bale - appeared on screen, the man walked in through an emergency exit wielding at least one gun, faced the crowds, and began to shoot. Though it has been reported that 14 died in the massacre, Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney issued a statement that read, "Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims at this time of deep shock and immense grief". President Obama echoed the sentiments, saying that he was "shocked and saddened" by the shooting, adding, "We will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family".

The shooting took place during a midnight screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises', which opened worldwide today (July 20, 2012). Anticipation for the movie has reached fever pitch, and reports from the scene claimed many of those in the theater were young children, some of whom were dressed as their favourite Batman characters.