Aurora Theater Where Gunman Shot 70 People Could Re-Open by New Year
The site of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history could reopen as soon as the New Year.
The Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colo., has been shut down since July 20, when a gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises," killing 12 people and leaving 58 wounded. In August, the City of Aurora launched an online survey asking what should be done about the theater.
The majority of people who responded said they supported re-opening the theater. Those results were passed along to Cinemark, the owner of the theater, with a letter from Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan.
"We believe that we are hearing, and indeed have heard for some time, a collective wish and desire for the theater to re-open," Hogan said. He added that he had consulted with victims, victims advocates and community members about the decision.
Hogan asked for special provisions, including victim and survivor visitation, memorials and a possible change to the exterior appearance of the building to be considered.
Tim Warner, CEO of Cinemark, responded, saying the company would work with the city to determine the best way to re-open the theater.
"We pledge to reconfigure the space and make the theater better than ever," he said. "We hope the theater will be ready by the beginning of the New Year."
