Chaplains were already in Colorado responding to wildfires in and around Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. This allowed them to respond immediately to the shooting in Aurora, according to an online report on the BGEA website.
News reports indicate that 71 people were shot, at least 12 victims have died, and 59 were injured as a result of the shooting.
"Words can't begin to describe the pain of this situation," said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. "We are grieving alongside the families of those killed and wounded in this senseless and horrific tragedy.
"Please pray for all of those who have been affected," added Munday. "We will be there to offer emotional and spiritual care, and the hope and compassion of Jesus Christ, in the aftermath."
Previously, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains have deployed following shootings in Tucson, AZ. (2011); Cumbria, U.K. (2010); Maryville, IL., Carthage, N.C., Oakland, CA, and Binghamton, N.Y. (2009); Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. (2008); Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA, Crandon, WI., and Arvada, CO. (2007); and the Red Lake Indian Reservation in MN (2005).
