The Colorado movie theater where a gunman killed 12 people and wounded dozens of others has reopened with a private ceremony for victims, first responders and officials.

Gov. John Hickenlooper acknowledged some victims and their families didn’t want the theater to reopen. But he said that for those who attended the ceremony Thursday, it was the path to healing.

Theater owner Cinemark plans to reopen the entire 16-screen complex in Aurora to the public temporarily on Friday, then permanently on Jan. 25.

Pierce O’Farrill said it was important for him to return to the theater and sit in the same seat where he sat July 20, when a gunman opened fire during a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Other victims called the reopening insensitive and refused an invitation to attend.