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MESA, Ariz. (AP) - A former Arizona legislator is apologizing for saying somebody in the Aurora, Colo., theater should been armed and prepared to stop the shooter.

Former state Sen. Russell Pearce said Friday on Facebook the shooting was heartbreaking and that lives were lost because nobody acted to stop the shooting that left 12 people dead and dozens wounded.

His comments drew criticism, and Pearce apologized Monday.

His latest Facebook post says he wrote his original post while concerned about the fate of a young woman who was at the theater and that he's since been moved to learn of what he called "great acts of courage" in the theater.

He says it is far too early for discussion about preventing such attacks.

Pearce is known nationally for sponsoring Arizona's anti-illegal immigration law.