Scene of the Crime
The Century 16 in Aurora, Colo., where 12 people were killed and 59 wounded in the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Ticket to Hell
A ticket stub shows the scheduled showtime. Police say James Holmes entered Theater 9 at 12:30 a.m.
Witness to the Shooting
A theatergoer in a blood-spattered shirt is escorted away from the crowded scene by a police officer.
Picking Up the PIeces
Crime scene investigators descend on the Century 16. At one point, upwards of 200 police officers were at the scene.
Searching for Answers
Reportedly tipped off to the possibility of a booby-trap, authorities peered into suspect James Holmes' apartment before going in. Police confirmed that they did find seemingly live explosives and a bomb squad was called to disarm various "incendiary devices."
After the Shooting
A policeman walks the perimeter of the theater.
Searching for His Son
Tom Sullivan, whose son Alex was marking his 27th birthday by catching the 12:05 a.m. screening of The Dark Knight Rises when a gunman opened fire, hugs family members outside the Century 16.
Asking for Help
Tom Sullivan showed cameramen a photo of his son Alex and pleads with the media for assistance in locating him.
Scared Family Member
Amanda Medek is comforted by officials at nearby Gateway High School as she waits for word on her sister Micayla.
Happy to Be Alive
Jacob Stevens, who witnessed the attack, hugs his mother, Tammi, after being interviewed by police.
One of 12 Fatalities
Sports blogger Jessica Ghawi had tweeted from the theater 20 minutes before showtime.
The Suspect
Police say James Holmes, 24, a neurosciences graduate student at the University of Colorado, set off two gas cannisters and opened fire on a theater full of people with an assault rifle. He also allegedly carried a shotgun and at least one .40-caliber pistol.
President Obama Flies to Aurora
Two days later, President Obama meets with the victims' families in Aurora, where he honors the memories of those who died, celebrates the heroism of those who put their lives ahead of others, and vows to bring the "full force" of justice on Holmes.