Suspected Movie Shooter’s Family Releases Statement

AURORA, Co. — The family of a man accused of killing at least 13 people and wounding dozens of others when he opened fire inside a Colorado movie theater released a statement just hours after the tragedy.

The shooter was identified by two federal law enforcement officers as James Holmes, 24, of Aurora. He had at least four guns — an “AK type” rifle, a shotgun and two handguns, a federal law enforcement official told CNN. The official also said the shooter used tear gas.

Holmes’ family said:

“Our hearts go out to those who were involved in this tragedy and to the families and friends of those involved.  We ask that the media respect our privacy during this difficult time.  Our family is cooperating with authorities in both San Diego, California and Aurora, Colorado.  We are still trying to process this information and we appreciate that people will respect our privacy.

Holmes is formerly from San Diego.

The shooting unfolded just after midnight on Friday inside a darkened theater screening “The Dark Knight Rises.”

*Click here for additional coverage on the shooting

(CNN contributed to this report)