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Today in History: Gunman kills 12, injures 58 at Aurora theater

7/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On July 20 2012, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes entered Aurora’s Century 16 theater during a midnight showing of *The Dark Knight Rises*. He detonated tear-gas grenades and opened fire with several rifles, killing 12 patrons and wounding 58 by gunfire (70 total injuries). Police later defused explosives he had rigged in his apartment.

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Story summary

On July 20 2012, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes entered Aurora’s Century 16 theater during a midnight showing of *The Dark Knight Rises*. He detonated tear-gas grenades and opened fire with several rifles, killing 12 patrons and wounding 58 by gunfire (70 total injuries). Police later defused explosives he had rigged in his apartment.