“Now, even as we learn how this happened and who’s responsible, we may never understand what leads anybody to terrorize their fellow human beings like this. Such violence, such evil is senseless. It’s beyond reason. But while we will never know fully what causes somebody to take the life of another, we do know what makes life worth living. The people we lost in Aurora loved and they were loved. They were mothers and fathers; they were husbands and wives; sisters and brothers; sons and daughters, friends and neighbors. They had hopes for the future and they had dreams that were not yet fulfilled.And if there’s anything to take away from this tragedy it’s the reminder that life is very fragile. Our time here is limited and it is precious. And what matters at the end of the day is not the small things, it’s not the trivial things, which so often consume us and our daily lives. Ultimately, it’s how we choose to treat one another and how we love one another.It’s what we do on a daily basis to give our lives meaning and to give our lives purpose. That’s what matters. At the end of the day, what we’ll remember will be those we loved and what we did for others. That’s why we’re here. — President Barack Obama
“Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of [12] people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.” — Mitt Romney
“I am deeply saddened for the victims and their families, and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Colorado family. There is no sense that can be made of such a tragedy, but it is in these times that I know Colorado comes together as one community to offer comfort, support and hope.”
— Sec. Ken Salazar
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by these senseless and tragic shootings. My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those killed, and I am praying for a speedy recovery for those who were wounded. My staff and I are in close contact with officials on the ground and will offer any federal resources needed to investigate this terrible crime and bring those responsible to justice.”— U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colorado
“It was a horrible, senseless and abhorrent act.” — U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado
“This was the type of violence that I would have expected when I served in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps but never here at home.” — U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora
“The thoughts and prayer of all Coloradans are with the victims of this horrific act of violence in Aurora. I know that all of our neighbors will reach out to offer assistance and condolences to their families and loved ones in this difficult time. I appreciate the work of local law enforcement officials who have acted swiftly to protect Coloradans from further acts of violence.” — U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Boulder
“Our heart and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragedy. Colorado is not a violent place, but we have some violent people. We are a strong and resilient community, and we will lean on each other in the days, weeks and months to come.” — U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Jefferson County
“May they find strength and peace during this difficult time — as well as for those that were wounded; that they make a full recovery.” — U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez
“In the hours and days to come, we will learn the answers we so desperately seek to fully understand what happened. Those responsible will be brought to justice.” — U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma
“This morning, our Colorado community has been shaken by an inexplicable and horrific act of violence against so many innocent men, women, and children. We are all profoundly saddened by this senseless attack. My family and I join with all Coloradans and those across the country today in praying for the victims and their families and loved ones. While we do not yet know the identities of the victims, in the coming days and weeks I know that all of us in the Denver-area will offer our support and assistance to those impacted by this shocking tragedy.” — U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver
“These shootings are senseless and tragic. The hearts of all Coloradans go out to the victims, the survivors, and their families. Our law enforcement and criminal justice systems must have all the resources needed to bring the perpetrator to full justice. In times of tragedy, the people of Colorado have a well-deserved reputation for coming together, and this time will be no different.”— U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado
“It is beyond the power of words to fully express our sorrow this morning. Our prayers and condolences go first to the families of those killed, and we share the grief of everyone affected by this senseless event. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This one of those times.” — Gov. John Hickenlooper
“It is a tragic day for all of us when innocent people fall to senseless violence. On behalf of my family and the city of Denver, we offer condolences, prayers and support to those hurt by this heinous crime. Our hearts are broken but we are determined to move forward together. Denver is working diligently with neighboring Aurora officials, law enforcement and emergency responders to provide any assistance and resources needed. We stand at the ready to support the individuals and families affected by this senseless, senseless act.”— Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock
“This tragedy is another grim reminder that guns are the enablers of mass killers and that our nation pays an unacceptable price for our failure to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. We are outraged.” — Dan Gross, Brady Campaign president
“This empty evil adds to a series of violent acts that weigh heavily on the national consciousness, acts that must surely occasion focused discussion on the interplay of violence and the availability of guns.” — the Rev. Francis H. Wade, interim dean of Washington National Cathedral
Colorado should not be unfairly tainted by this latest tragic shooting. We are infected with the same tragic epidemic of gun violence as other states. I pray this tragedy will lead citizens to say “enough is enough” and to call for change. In the past most of our leaders have done little other than express sympathy and cower to a gun lobby that only sees more guns as the answer. We deserve better. — Tom Mauser,
father of Daniel Mauser, who was killed at Columbine
The Denver City Council commends the heroic efforts of the Aurora Police Department and area law enforcement assisting in this effort for containing the situation and quickly apprehending the gunman. We also praise the heroic efforts of area hospitals that have done an incredible job treating the victims. The city of Denver stands ready to assist our neighbors in Aurora. Our hearts and prayers are with you. — Denver City Council
“Parents should be mindful and limit exposure to the media. Do not talk around your kids and express your fears in front of them, say over the phone or with your friends. Try to limit the trauma. Parents need to stay close to their children, especially younger ones, be as supportive as possible and be available to answer their questions honestly.” — Christine R. Harms, director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety’s School Safety Resource Center
“In the chaos of the moment, people poured from the movie theater into the darkness of the night — the darkness of confusion, of ambiguity, of despair. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters cast into that darkness. They do not stand alone. As Catholic bishops, we ‘weep with those who weep.’ But in Aurora, which means ‘the dawn,’ the sun rose this morning. In a city whose name evokes the light, people of hope know that the darkness may be overcome.”— Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, archbishop of Denver, and Most Rev. James D. Conley, auxiliary bishop of Denver
“We hope the shocking magnitude of this violence will serve to remind people of the need for civility and the necessity for communities to address the underlying causes of violence that is becoming more and more common in our society. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families and we wish a full recovery to the injured.” — B’nai B’rith International
