Many of you may remember it clearly. “The Dark Knight Rises” midnight showing was playing in various theaters on July 20, 2012. The Cinemark theater in Aurora, Colorado was packed full of spectators as a gunman dressed in tactical clothing set off gas grenades and began shooting multiple firearms killing 12 people and injuring 70. James Edgar Holmes was arrested shortly after his rampage outside the cinema. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
What an absolute tragedy. Over 30 victims and families of those killed have sued Cinemark. US District Judge R Brook Jackson rejected a motion for summary judgment filed by lawyers for Cinemark USA to dismiss the lawsuits. It was noted that over 80 of the Cinemark theaters had chosen to hire security for that night but the Aurora theater had elected not to.
The judge stated “I reiterate that in no way is this court holding as a matter of law that Cinemark should have known of the danger of someone entering one of its theaters through the back door and randomly shooting innocent victims.” However, he does believe that lawsuits are able to be filed and let the courts decide.
Many argue that Cinemark should be liable for Inadequate Security. They claim there had been recent crime in the surrounding Denver area, there was no security guards for a midnight showing, and no alarm system or locked back doors. Only time will tell what the courts decide in these upcoming lawsuits.
Our hearts go out to the victims of these families. Although it happened two years ago, the pain of this tragedy lives on for so many. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to what you believe was inadequate security, please contact one our wrongful death or personal injury attorney for a free consultation.
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