Washington, July 23 (ANI): The military-style assault rifle used by 'Dark Knight' massacre suspect James Holmes malfunctioned inside the cinema, possibly sparing more carnage, US officials have said.

According to police, the AR-15 assault rifle used by the 'Batman-obsessed' suspect was capable of firing 50 to 60 rounds a minute.

Officials said Holmes could have stood in the front of the cinema and raked the rows of seated filmgoers had the gun not jammed, the New York Daily News reports.

Holmes, 24, is alleged to have opened fire during a packed midnight screening of Batman film 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

He reportedly set off a smoke bomb and killed nearly 12 people.

Meanwhile, US President Obama flew to the grief-stricken town to comfort victims as Holmes remained in solitary confinement, awaiting his first court appearance Monday. (ANI)