The TV was on all night. Fox 5 in the Morning's Raul Martinez interrupted my slumber with news of a mass shooting in Colorado that took place during a midnight screening of Dark Knight Rises.

My gut told me to lead with, "Warner Bros. couldn't buy better publicity." That was before my brain received word that one of the victims was a 3-month-old child.

At least 12 are dead and dozens more wounded after a black-clad, gas mask-wearing shooter -- armed with a shotgun, a rifle, and two handguns -- opened fire at a suburban Denver movie theater.

24-year-old James Holmes entered one of the Century 16 theaters at the Aurora Mall through an emergency exit door. He reportedly stood at the front of the auditorium and chucked a gas canister or explosive device into the crowd before opening fire.

Some audience members thought the smoke was part of the show until repeat gunshots indicated it was not a promotional gimmick.

Holmes was taken into custody after officers found him near a car behind the theater. He surrendered without resistance.

This story hits home. I'm shaken by the news of urban terrorism hitting the multiplex. Next to mom's kitchen there is no place safer than a movie theater. Security guards frequently wand preview audiences in search of dangerous recording devices. Are patrons soon going to have to remove their shoes and pass through metal detectors every time they want to see a movie?

It's bad enough that I have half the publicists and projectionists in this town gunning for me. I don't need the threat of some sociopath with a walking arsenal putting an end to my moviegoing existence. It's time for America to address gun control.

*UPDATE***

Don Bauder reports that the alleged shooter was from San Diego.