Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan is pictured. Reuters

Film director Christopher Nolan released on Friday a statement about the Aurora, Colo., shootings at a midnight premiere of his movie, The Dark Knight Rises.

Nolan called the shooter, James Holmes, 24, savage, and extended his sympathy and support to his fans who were killed or injured in the attack.

Below is Nolan's statement in its entirety, according to TMZ:

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.