B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

We offer the people of Aurora, Colo., our condolences and support as they mourn the loss of family, friends and neighbors in the horrific movie theater shooting on July 20.

The gunman, armed with a rifle and other firearms, opened fire in a crowded movie theater, killing at least 12 and leaving 38 wounded.

We hope the shocking magnitude of this violence will serve to remind people of the need for civility and the necessity for communities to address the underlying causes of violence that is becoming more and more common in our society. For nearly 40 years B’nai B’rith has supported effective national gun control legislation.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families and we wish a full recovery to the injured.