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Prosecutor Says Holmes Mulled Biological Warfare

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) - A prosecutor says James Holmes considered other locations and methods for his attack, including biological warfare, before deciding on a mass shooting at a suburban Denver movie theater.

District Attorney George Brauchler says Holmes ruled out a biological assault because it would require too much knowledge.

He also considered various locations, including airports and other theaters. He concluded an airport would have too much security.

Theater Shooting Trial
District Attorney George Brauchler unveils a model of the theater during opening statements (credit: CBS)

Brauchler says Holmes picked Century 16 in Aurora in part because it had doors he could lock to increase casualties. He also considered factors such as police response times.

Brauchler noted before the shooting, Holmes was reluctant to give details about his thoughts to therapists he worked with. But Holmes freely talked about his desire to kill people with his ex-girlfriend, whom he continued to spend time with after their breakup.

The prosecutor said the ex-girlfriend thought Holmes was being hypothetical, and the two severed ties soon afterward.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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