Suspect in 'Dark Knight Rises' Shooting Identified

Federal law enforcement officials have identified the suspect in the mass movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo. as 24-year-old James Holmes, according to the Associated Press.

(Complete Blaze coverage of the 'Dark Knight' shooting)

Officials believe Holmes, described as a "white American," is responsible for killing 12 people and injuring dozens more at the opening of the new Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises." Witnesses said the shooter was wearing a mask and set off some sort of gas in the theater before opening fire.

Holmes is in police custody. According to ABC News, the FBI said he has no significant criminal history. Officials do not believe the shooting is tied to any terror groups.

Police said he was found near a car behind the theater with a gas mask and an assault rifle, shotgun and two pistols, according to the AP.

Police have given no information on a possible motive, and said there is no evidence of a second shooter.

According to ABC, a San Diego woman identifying herself as Holmes' mother said she had not been aware of the shooting but "immediately expressed concern that her son may have been involved."

"You have the right person," she said. "I need to call the police...I need to fly out to Colorado."

U.S. Army spokesman George Wright posted on Twitter Holmes has no record of service in the Army, Army Reserve or Army Guard.

A spokeswoman for the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver told the Associated Press Holmes had been a student there until withdrawing last month. CNN reported Holmes had been pursuing a Ph.D in neuroscience.

Police released a statement from Holmes' family in San Diego, stating: "Our hearts go out to those who were involved in this tragedy and to the families and friends of those involved. We ask that the media respect our privacy during this difficult time. Our family is coopering with authorities in both San Diego, California and Aurora, Colorado."

UPDATE:

The AP has new information as a result of recently-held press conference:

Police said 71 people in all were shot.

Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said the gunman wore a gas mask, a ballistic helmet and vest as well as leg, groin and throat protectors. He said he had an AR-15 military-style, semi-automatic rifle, a shotgun and two pistols.

While some witnesses said the gunman entered through a side-door emergency exit at the front of the theater, a federal law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Holmes bought a ticket and went into the theater as part of the crowd.

This post has been updated since it was first published.