A gunman opened fire early Friday morning in a crowded midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises," killing 12 and injuring at least 59. As the nation reels from the tragedy in Aurora, Co., Hollywood studios and celebrities have taken to Twitter and Facebook to express their shock and grief.
The circumstances surrounding the event are still being investigated, but as a picture develops, some have begun framing the tragedy in terms of the debate over gun control. CNN's Piers Morgan was one of the first public figures to link the incident to that issue:
Others, including pop singer Rihanna and filmmaker Kevin Smith, simply shared the news with their followers and expressed their dismay. Documentarian Michael Moore, whose film "Bowling for Columbine" focused on gun violence in the United States (with special focus on Colorado, where both the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and Friday's Aurora incident took place), offered this poignant response: "Too sad at the moment to comment."
Warner Bros., the studio behind "The Dark Knight Rises," canceled a previously planned Paris premiere of the film and posted the following statement to Facebook: "Warner Bros. is deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."
Both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have offered their condolences as well. "As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family," Obama said in a statement. "All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors."
Romney said he was "deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence," shared his prayers for victims and expressed his expectation that "the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice."
More reactions from the entertainment world are available in the gallery below.