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Update: Theater Owners Reviewing Security Measures

James Holmes has been identified as the suspect in the Aurora, Colo. shootings that left 12 people dead and about 50 others wounded at a Thursday midnight showing of the new Batman movie.

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Update 5:28 p.m.:

The National Association of Theatre Owners chief on Friday afternoon said personnel at all its theaters were currently reviewing their safety procedures, in light of the fatal shooting in Colorado.

“We are grateful for the quick and effective response by police and emergency personnel," wrote Patrick Corcoran, information officer for NATO.

"Guest safety is, and will continue to be a priority for theater owners. NATO members are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures," Corcoran wrote.

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Update 2:08 p.m.:

Law enforcement officers from Aurora, Colo. have contacted University of California Riverside officials and police concerning James Holmes, accused of shooting dozens of people in a Colorado movie theater attack.

Chancellor Timothy P. White held a news conference Friday to address the fact that Holmes attended undergraduate school at the university.

"The fact that he was a student at the University of California Riverside is a collateral fact," White told those gathered on campus for his address.

White said that when he read the news on his iPad Friday morning, his stomach "tied in knots" in horror and sympathy for those directly affected in Colorado.

The chancellor said he has made available counseling for students, staff and faculty who may have known the suspect and also for anyone who has been negatively affected by the news in general.

White was told by a member of the press corps that Holmes never walked in his commencement.

"I never shook his hand," White said then.

To hear an audio recording of the chancellor's remarks, please click here.

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Update 12:39 p.m.:

The alleged mass murderer at a Colorado movie theater attended UCR on a merit-based scholarship, according to school officials, and had a fine mind.

Accordiing to the school's chancellor, James Holmes never had trouble with campus police and his academic achievements made him "the top of the top," University of California Riverside Chancellor Timothy P. White said in a news conference.

"He distinguished himself academically," school information officer Bettye Miller told Patch.

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Update 11:30 a.m.:

In Riverside County, sheriff's officials said they were not going to add patrol hours or manpower.

"The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is ready at a moment’s notice to respond to any emergency event that may occur within our areas of service," Deputy Alberto Martinez told Patch.

However, patrol operations continue as normal in our areas."

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The suspected gunman in what is being called a massacre at a Colorado movie theater -- 12 people were gunned down and scores were wounded -- graduated with honors from the University of California Riverside in 2010, officials said.

James Holmes, 24, wore all black clothing and had a gas mask on when he set off some sort of irritant and began firing weapons early Friday, during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie.

When the shooting was over, 12 people were fatally wounded and another 50 or so were hurt, officials said.

Of those killed, 10 people were still dead in the movie theater midmorning Friday, as investigators worked to process the scene, officials said.

According to Bettye Miller, information officer with UCR, Holmes attended the school from the fall of 2006 to the spring of 2010, graduating with a bachlor's degree in neuroscience.

He graduated with honors, Miller told Patch.

According to officials who spoke with the media at a news conference, police recovered at the scene an assault rifle, a Glock handgun and a Remington rifle.

Another Glock pistol was found in the alleged shooter's white Hyundai.

Officials in Colorado quickly gathered to debrief officers on the incident and to assure the public that the shooting was an isolated incident and that people will be safe.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said the act was depraved and said he understood that people are alarmed about the event.

"Show me anyone who has children and think about your child in that movie theater. That reality makes the pain and the grief too intense for words," Hickenlooper said in a live-streamed news conference.

"But we can't let it keep us from our lives," Hickenlooper said.

The University of California, Riverside can confirm that a person by this name graduated from UCR with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience in the Spring of 2010. His last known address was in San Diego.

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