14 shot dead at "Dark Knight Rises" screening in Aurora, Colorado [LIVE Videos]

Fourteen people were killed and at least 50 others were wounded early Friday when a gunman wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire during a midnight premier screening of the latest Batman movie near Denver, authorities and witnesses said.

Authorities said the gunman had appeared at the front of the theater during the film and released a canister of tear gas. Witnesses told reporters that the gunfire erupted during a shootout scene in "The Dark Knight Rises".

Suspect, James Holmes, 24 years old

The apartment of the suspect in custody, named as James Holmes, 24, who had been a student at the University of Colorado Medical School, had been booby-trapped with what police described as sophisticated explosives or flammable material, and officers were trying to determine how to defuse the device or devices, Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said.

President Obama said in a statement that he and first lady Michelle Obama were "shocked and saddened" by the "horrific and tragic" shooting. Mr. Obama said his administration would do everything they can to support the people of Aurora.

"As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors," Mr. Obama said.

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