The Dark Knight Rises has been riddled with controversy since a psychotic gunman opened fire at a theater in Aurora, Colorado.

The film’s star, Christian Bale,  took a moment to offer his condolences to those injured and killed in the senseless incident.

“Words cannot express the horror that I feel. I cannot begin to truly understand the pain and grief of the victims and their loved ones, but my heart goes out to them.”

The film’s director Christopher Nolan also released a statement shortly after the incident took place.

Nolan said:

“Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of The Dark Knight Rises, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community. I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime.

The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me. Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families.”

The shooter, James Holmes, killed 12 and injured more than 50 at the Colorado theater.