How Alleged Colorado Shooter James Holmes Bought His Guns

By Christine Pelisek & Eliza Shapiro

Jul 21, 2012--As police enter James Holmes’s booby-trapped apartment, Christine Pelisek and Eliza Shapiro report on how the alleged killer bought his guns—and why he may pursue an insanity defense.

Two months before neuroscience student James Eagan Holmes allegedly shot 71 moviegoers, killing at least 12, at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colo., he stopped by Gander Mountain, an outdoor shop that sells guns and ammunition, and bought a Glock 40 pistol.

Over that eight-week period, according to a local law-enforcement source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, he purchased four more weapons, including a shotgun and an assault rifle from different gun shops around Aurora and Denver—and 6,000 rounds of ammunition from the Internet.

Editor: The only surprising thing about this story is the fact that we always seem to be surprised!

Have we already forgotten about the tragedy in Tuscon? One of the victims faces a lifetime of therapy. Seems we are still surprised at the latest massacre. Get over it! This country is armed and dangerous! Do I sound pissed off? I am!

Many years ago a beautiful American was shot to death as she sunned herself at the motel’s pool in Arizona. Seems I was just to Sue’s wedding to her childhood sweetheart. Tony was pathetic as he was ushered in to the funeral parlor where Sue lay so peaceful and beautiful.

No. It wasn’t the last time lives were shattered by gun violence. But, why concern ourselves? It’s a free country! Well, at least til the last man standing meets up with a Glock. It’s still a free country for the survivors.