Updated at 1:53 p.m. on July, 21, 2012

·         We have been successful in disabling a second triggering device through a controlled detonation.

·         Although NOT certain – we are hopeful we have eliminated the remaining major threats.

·         However, we will not know for sure until we enter the apartment.

·         Many hazards remain inside. We will continue to be at this location for hours collecting evidence and mitigating

those hazards.

·         In the event that more triggering devices are found, there is a possibility of more controlled disruptions to occur.

·         Official updates will continue to come through our twitter account (@aurorapd).

·         More information on today’s operation on Paris Street will be addressed at the 2:00 pm.

Phase I

 

• The first threat trip wire was defeated.
• The Device was designed to kill a person if they entered.  This could have been meant for law enforcement or emergency personnel.
• Scene is now being re-evaluated
• Other devices are still in the apartment (no specific information on devices is being released at this time).
• The team may initiate a controlled detonation of another triggering mechanism.
• If further evacuation is needed, a “Reverse 911” message will be sent.

 

 

 

 

Incident at Suspect’s Apartment

 

• Primary goal is to complete this operation in a manner that is safe for all personnel involved and the public.  With that in mind, there is no estimate on how long this will take.
• There are three phases to the operation:

1. Render a safe entry and remotely mitigate the trip wire.  This may cause a fire and/or explosion.
2. Safely remove approximately 30 various devices inside and an additional 30 aerial shells.  These will then be taken by sand trucks to a disposal area and either burned or destroyed by counter charges.
3. Continue the investigation with the Aurora Police Department being the lead agency and assisted by numerous other agencies.

• We are confident this will be completed today.
• This will be done with help from the following agencies:  Aurora Fire Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Denver Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Rural Metro Ambulance.
• We will update the progress of this operation as the three phases unfold.
• The next press conference is still scheduled for this afternoon at 2:00 p.m., at the Aurora Municipal Center, located at 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO, 80012.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• 70 victims total – 12 victim are confirmed dead. An additional 58 people were injured.
• 10 victims died in the theater and 2 died later at area hospitals.
• Death notifications are being made to the families tonight.
• Officials from the Aurora Police Department met with family members and friends of some of the victims for approximately 90 minutes earlier today. Families were informed that identification of the deceased victims will be confirmed tonight.
• The final bodies were removed from the theater at approximately 5:15 p.m.  There are no victims left inside the crime scene.

SUSPECT

• The suspect, James Eagen Holmes, DOB: 12.13.1987, will appear in court on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. at Arapahoe County District Court, located at 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO0.)
• He recently left the University of Colorado Denver’s Graduate Program in Nueroscience. He left the program voluntarily.
• He is originally from Riverside, California and attended the University of California.
• Neighbors reported that he lived alone and kept to himself.

 

ACTUAL SHOOTING INCIDENT

• The four weapons found at the incident were purchased at local gun shops.
• Ammunition for those weapons was purchased on the internet. Total count of ammunition was 3020 .223 rounds, 3550 40 caliber rounds, and 350 12 gage rounds.
• Multiple .223 magazines were purchased to include a 100 round drum magazine.

 

APARTMENT BUILDING

• 1690 Paris St will remain evacuated along with four other nearby buildings. Operations at the suspect’s address have been suspended for tonight, but will resume tomorrow.
• Various Federal and local law enforcement agencies are assisting with the investigation.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The persons evacuated from apartment buildings at or near 1690 Peoria St will have shelter and assistance at Central High School.
• There will be additional police officers at four Aurora theatres through the weekend.
• The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department and Denver Police Department will provide SWAT assistance for Aurora if needed for events unrelated to the shooting if needed.
• The Town Center of Aurora will be open tomorrow.
• The City of Aurora will be sponsoring a memorial vigil in front of the Aurora Municipal Center on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. The Governor and the Aurora City Mayor will be there to speak.