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Colorado Shooting Casts Shadow Over Pittsburgh's Gotham City Debut

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The tragedy in Colorado puts a cloud over Pittsburgh's debut in "The Dark Knight Rises." But could there be a long term effect?

This was supposed to be a day for Pittsburgh to shine on big screens all over the world. But that was before Aurora.

"I think it [has] cast a shadow on everyone," said Dawn Keezer, of the Pittsburgh Film Office. "This is a horrific, senseless, tragedy; and unfortunately, this person who obviously must be mentally unstable chose 'The Dark Knight' as his backdrop."

"I hope it doesn't discourage people from going out and seeing the movie, and supporting Pittsburgh and supporting this great film," added Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

In fact, people are coming out today to see "The Dark Knight Rises" at our local theaters, fully aware of the shooting.

"I don't think it had anything to do with the movie," said one Batman fan. "It was someone who was not in their right mind."

"It did sort of make me not want to come today, but I said I might as well come and check it out," added another local movie-goer.

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"The chance of it happening here are slim to none, so it's not going to stop me from going to see the movie," another Batman fan said.

"I think it doesn't reflect on the movie or Pittsburgh or things like that, I think it reflects on the man and the issue out there," said another fan.

The local film office certainly hopes that's the case because there's a lot riding on Pittsburgh's image in this movie in attracting future films to the area.

"I'm not sure it ties Pittsburgh to anything other than it was the backdrop he chose to commit this act of violence," said Keezer.

While there are certainly business concerns, Mayor Ravenstahl says Pittsburgh will be fine, and today should only be about concern for the victims and their families in Colorado.

RELATED LINKS:
CBS Denver: 12 Dead After Shooting During 'Dark Knight Rises' Movie
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