US president Barack Obama has said he is "shocked and saddened" by the "horrific and tragic" shooting in a Colorado cinema this morning.
In a statement released to the press, Mr Obama said:
"Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado."
"Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time."
"We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family."
"All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbours, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come," the statement concluded.
Later the White House said that it did not believe the deadly shooting in Colorado had any connection to terrorism.
"We do not believe at this point that there is an apparent nexus to terrorism," White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters travelling with Mr Obama in Florida.
The president was first informed of the deadly rampage at about 7.30am Irish time, Mr Carne said.