‘Dark Knight Rises’ Shooting in Aurora, Colorado: Country Artists React

Like the rest of America, country stars are waking up to learn of last night's tragedy at a 'Dark Knight Rises' screening in Aurora, Colorado. Twelve were killed and dozens more injured when a gunman opened fire on a crowd waiting for the movie to begin. Country artists Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels and Steel Magnolia's Meghan Linsey are just a few hurt, angered or a confused by the shooting massacre.

According to reports in the Denver Post, emergency crews were alerted of the shooting at 12:30AM local time. The alleged gunman -- 24-year-old James Holmes -- was arrested behind the cinema without incident. Moviegoers say he released canisters of tear gas before opening fire. "Watching the news...so so sad. Pray for those victims & families," Whitney Duncan tweeted as she learned the news.

Our friends at ScreenCrush will be following the story closely as more details emerge. (Note: Initial reports listed 14 dead and 50 injured, but those numbers have since been modified).

There are no words to describe how terrible the Colorado theater shooting is. I'm so sad. Praying for these families.

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) July 20, 2012

So sad for all the families, friends, and victims in CO.

— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) July 20, 2012

My heart and prayers go out to the folks in Aurora, CO.I'm so sorry this has happened.I don't understand it.

— Reba McEntire (@reba) July 20, 2012

Oh no ! Just woke up and turned on the news "14 dead 50 hurt in Batman movie shooting".Praying for victims. So sorry and sad.

— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) July 20, 2012

Just read about the #theatershooting in Colorado. Who could do such a thing? And why??? Praying for the victims and their families. so sad. — Meghan Linsey (@meghanlinsey) July 20, 2012
 

Sickened by what has occurred in Aurora CO.Let's do our best not to let the culprit have an ounce of fame for this gross act on humanity.

— Randy Houser (@RandyHouser) July 20, 2012

Aurora. How terribly sad for the victims. And my heart breaks 4 all the mothers & fathers- even the gunmans parents. Can u imagine?! So sad

— Jewel (@jeweljk) July 20, 2012

I am so sad/angry/confused to see Colorado, one my favorite states have to endure such pain over and over and over. What do we do?

— Chely Wright (@chelywright) July 20, 2012

Get ready for the gun control bunch to start howling.If they have their way only thugsand murderers will have guns,laws dont effect them — Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) July 20, 2012
 

Watching the news...so so sad. Pray for those victims & families. #coloradoshooting

— Whitney Duncan (@whitneyduncan) July 20, 2012

My love & prayers are with all the families that have been affected by the horrible, unspeakable torment from last nights shooting! #BeKind

— Julianne Hough (@juliannehough) July 20, 2012