Chris Dodd, Motion Picture chairman, on the Colorado Theatre Shooting

Former U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, who is now the chairman and chief executive officer of the Motion Picture Association of America, expressed sadness Friday over the deadly shooting at a movie theatre in Colorado.

“We share the shock and sadness of everyone in the motion picture community at the news of this terrible event,” Dodd said in a statement. “We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy.” 

Multiple media outlets are reporting that the 24-year-old shooting suspect, James Holmes, was a Ph.D. candidate for a degree in neuroscience at the University of Colorado in Denver. He was apparently in the process of withdrawing from the university.

At least 12 people were killed, and at least 59 were wounded in the shootings that were first reported at 12:39 a.m. Friday, police said. Overall, 71 people were shot by the gunman, who was carrying an AR-15 assault rifle, a shotgun, and at least one handgun.

Holmes was wearing body armor, including a tactical vest and a throat protector, during the rampage.

The moviegoers were attending a midnight showing of new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises,” in Aurora, a suburb of Denver.