AP Photo/Barry GutierrezThe world is still reeling from shock over the tragic shooting spree at a Colorado screening of The Dark Knight Rises that left 12 dead and 59 more injured.
Now, celebs and luminaries have begun to weigh in on the horrible news.
On Friday morning, President Barack Obama addressed the tragedy during a speech while on the campaign trail in Ft. Myers, Fla.
"This morning we woke up to news of a tragedy and reminds us of all the ways we are united as an American family," he said.
Obama, who expressed concern that his own daughters also go to the movies, added: "If there's anything to take away from this tragedy, life is fragile, time here is limited and precious. What matters at the end of the day is not the small things, trivial things...Ultimately it is how we choose to treat one another and love one another."
He vowed to seek justice for the victims and their families. "The federal government will do whatever is necessary to bring this heinous crime to justice," he said. "We will take every step possible to ensure the safety of all of our people. We will stand by our neighbors in Colorado."
Obama also issued a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff "as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence," he said in a statement.
Across the pond, Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to Obama expressing her condolences. In a statement, she offered: "I was saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life earlier today in Denver, Colo. Prince Philip joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to you and the people of America at this time."
She also added, "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and I wish the many who were injured a swift and full recovery."
Meanwhile, Mitt Romney, who was recently the subject of conspiracy theories that drew parallels between him and the film's villain Bane, also sounded off on the shooting.
"Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice."
In a statement, Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, sent their deepest sympathies to the victims' families.
"Jill and I were shocked to learn of the tragedy in Aurora, Colo., this morning," they said. "The reason this is so deeply felt by all Americans is that, but for the grace of God, the victims could have been any one of our children, in any one of our towns. It is every parent's worst nightmare to receive ‘that phone call' and to sit by their child's bedside, praying. We know what it's like to wait and wonder and the helplessness a parent feels at this moment. Our hearts go out to each and every person who is suffering right now as a result of this terrible event. The prayers of an entire nation are with the victims and their families. We stand with the city of Aurora and the state of Colorado in mourning."
Celebrities have also taken to Twitter to express their shock and sadness.
Kim Kardashian: "Just landed in Miami & heard the tragic news re the shooting in Aurora. This is so devastating & beyond words. Nothing is worth causing so much pain to so many people. I'm angry and heartbroken."
Tom Cruise: "Our hearts go out to the victims of the Colorado movie theater tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers to them and their families..."
Ellen DeGeneres: "The news from Denver is just devastating. My heart is with the families affected by this senseless tragedy."
Kevin Smith: "Heartbreaking to read witnesses in Aurora say they first thought the shooting and gas was an elaborate, in-theater extension of the movie."
Ian Somerhalder: "My heart&those of many go out to the victims of #Aurora shooting last night. WHF is our world coming to? Pls,pls we must change.Seriously."
Kal Penn: "Such awful news to wake up to out in Colorado."
Ryan Seacrest: "Thinking about the families who were affected by this horrible incident in Colorado. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Carson Daly: "Praying for those affected in #Aurora. Tragic beyond all belief. God bless you."
Eva Longoria: My heart goes out to all the people affected in the Aurora, CO shooting. May God be with that town and their families..."
Dominic Monaghan: "I wonder if USA will have an open conversation about gun law after this tragic day in Aurora? Very sad."
Whoopi Goldberg: "We Gotta stop looking for reasons here there is no reason only irrational acts by irrational people. All we can do is try 2 bring comfort."
LeBron James: "Its just not fair that innocent people have to lose their lives over someone's selfish stupidity acts! My stomach is hurting over this."
Olivia Munn: "My sincerest condolences to the victims and families in Colorado. So sad, so mindless."
Cheryl Burke: "My heart goes out to all the families and victims in Aurora, Colorado. This is insane!!"
Billy Ray Cyrus: "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."
Lisa Rinna: "My heart and prayers goes out to the people of Aurora colorado. Senseless violence and killing has to stop. Tragic."
John Stamos: "what devastating news to wake up to. my heart is with everyone involved in the Aurora #theatershooting. what the world needs now is..."
(Originally published July 20, 2012, at 9:05 a.m. PT)