Denver's teams and players send condolences to those affected by Aurora shooting

By Ryan Ebert | Ryan@nflen.com

No one would have thought that the flag at the White House would have been lowered to half-staff on July 20, 2012.  Unfortunately there was such an event that made this happen.

On July 20, the new Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises" started playing at midnight in theaters across America.  In Aurora, Colorado, a former honor student and recent graduate school dropout by the name of James Holmes walked in prepared and disguised wearing black with a bullet proof helmet and vest, ballistic leggings, throat and groin protector, black tactical gloves, a gas mask, and had three weapons on him.  He cast off two smoke grenades then opened fire killing 12 and injuring 59.

Zach Golditch remarkably walked away  after stray bullet went right through him

A six-year old girl was among those who were slain.  A three month old baby was also injured.  A Colorado State recruit named Zach Golditch got injured during the event when a stray bullet went through a wall and hit him just below the ear and exited at his hairline.  It is a miracle he did not suffer any serious injuries.

His family and friends never suspected this kind of action from Holmes as he was described as "quiet and easy-going" and never had problems; he was also described as "respectful".  Holmes barely talked and did not socialize.  As one man said, "No one knew him. No one."

Denver's teams and players payed respect to those effected in the shooting on twitter and through other ways:

The Colorado Rockies made a jersey remembering the sad event.

The Broncos said this in a statement:

"Our deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of this horrific tragedy in our community"

Many Bronco players sent their prayers as well on Twitter and Facebook:

Ben Garland:  "I was planning on attending that exact movie in that theater but changed my mind.  Thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims."

Ryan Clady:  "Thoughts and prayers to the victims in the shooting in Colorado.  Sad day"

Zane Beadles:  "Deeply saddened by the Aurora shooting.  A bit of anger too.  Prayers to all those affected. #tragic"

Terrell Davis:  "My heart goes out to all of the victims of the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting last night.  Just a senseless act by a coward. #tragic"

Willis McGahee:  "My thoughts and prayers are with my Denver family - can't believe the news of this mass shooting in Aurora - this is crazy"

Former Bronco Eddie Royal:  "Sick to my stomach hearing about the senseless tragedy in Aurora, CO last night... My thoughts and prayers are with those effected.  Really puts in perspective how insignificant our daily stresses are..."

Former Bronco Tim Tebow:  "My prayers go out to all the families and friends of the victims of the terrible tragedy that took place in Aurora, CO.  Psalm 23"

The Denver Nuggets:  "Our thoughts are with all of those affected by last night's tragedy in Aurora, CO."

Holmes was taken into custody "without any significant incident" as Aurora police chief Dan Oates said.

In the link below is a video of people frantically getting away and scary phone calls.

http://widget.newsinc.com/_cfvp/playlist16x9_player.html?CID=994&WID=10812&VID=23750245&freewheel=90115&sitesection=denverpost_nws_us_sec&external_url=http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21118947/

Holmes told police about explosives in his home which caused the police to evacuate five nearby buildings.

If you want to learn more about the bomb in his apartment the link is below.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21118947/

My own thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends in the shooting.  May God be with them.