Dark Knight Shooting Raises Fears, Questions

One gunman and one crowded theater.

At least 12 dead and dozens injured, several seriously.

In Aurora, Colorado, suspected gunman James Holmes, reportedly wearing a gas mask and a bulletproof vest, opened fire during a midnight showing of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises.

The number of deaths and injured isn't confirmed. As information become available the figures could change up or down. But no matter what the final numbers are, there is one definitive: It's a tragedy.

The Friday morning massacre at the Century 16 in Aurora took place 19 miles away from Columbine High, where a two teenagers killed 12 and injured dozens before killing themselves in April 1999.

Patch blogger Robert Marrujo recently provoked a discussion about cleanliness and safety at our own . Should we be afraid to go out?

The Aurora incident unfortunately makes us wonder about the security of "soft targets" like theaters, malls and school events that are gathering locations with little security, making them easy targets for madmen or terrorists.

What do we do?

• Install metal detectors everywhere?
• Outlaw and confiscate guns?
• Ban sensational coverage to discourage copycat?
• Rethink the moral values of our society?
• Throw up our hands?

Join the discussion.