Crime

Theaters Increase Security Following ‘Batman’ Massacre

(The Blaze/AP) — Some theaters and police around the U.S. stepped up security at daytime showings of the new Batman movie Friday after the massacre in Colorado, and while many fans were undeterred by the tragedy, others were nervous about going to see the film.

Personally, we are deeply disturbed and profoundly saddened by this tragedy and we suspect man of our Blaze readers are as well.

Theaters Increase Security Following Batman Massacre

The shooter was reportedly dressed in SWAT gear, including a riot
helmet, goggles, a gas mask, and a bullet-proof vest (photo courtesy: Denver Post)

Two police officers were stationed outside the AMC theater in New York’s Times Square, which had showings of the Batman movie beginning every 20 minutes. Later in the day, the officers gave way to a police cruiser that was parked out front with an officer in it.

Jimmy Baker, 40, of Harlem had been waiting since about 9:45 a.m. for the 12:50 p.m. show. “I just felt bad for the people that had to be traumatized by this entire event,” he said. But “I didn’t feel like it had any kind of effect on me … I’m just here to enjoy a good movie.”

Theaters Increase Security Following Batman MassacreThe alleged gunman James Holmes

Stephanie Suriel, 21, of Brooklyn, waiting outside the same theater, said her mother was slightly concerned about her going to see the film. But “I’m not nervous at all because I really want to see that movie.”

(Related: Beck‘s Emotional Reaction to ’Dark Knight’ Shooting: ‘There Is a Hole in the Soul of America’)

Still, just to be safe, she said, “I’m going to sit in the back.”

The New York City Police Department was posting officers at about 40 theaters around the city that were showing the film. The increased security was a precaution against potential copycat shooters, and also meant to reassure moviegoers.

“We’re doing this to raise the comfort level,” Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. “We’d certainly encourage everybody to go about their business.”

In Washington, the Homeland Security Department held a conference call with officials from the commercial, entertainment and shopping mall industries to discuss what security measures they could take to prevent something like this from happening again.Theaters Increase Security Following Batman Massacre

At the Regal Gallery Place multiplex in downtown Washington, moviegoers trickled into an 11 a.m. showing. Theater employees searched patrons’ bags and purses while taking their tickets.

“I‘m believing that it’s not related so much to the movie,” Steve Glaude, a 57-year-old federal employee, said of the shooting. “The movie may have been a trigger. It may not have been. We don’t know. I don’t think it was hero or villain emulation.”

The heightened security, as you are probably well aware, is the result of a shooting that took place early Friday morning in Aurora, Colo. A gunman wearing a gas mask set off a gas canister and fired into a crowded theater in the Denver suburb at a midnight opening of the movie, killing at least 12 people.

(Related: Dad of 6-Year-Old Who Died in Shooting Gives Heart-Breaking Interview Detailing the Moment He Learned of Tragic Death)

Christine Cooley, who works for the University of Florida at a campus installation near Tampa, Fla., said she and her 15-year-old daughter were stunned to wake up to the news. Cooley said her daughter has sworn off going to the movies.

“It’s tainted the movie completely for her,” Cooley said. “It’s summertime. That’s a big movie time for teenagers. That movie is off the list now. Movie theaters in general are off her summer to-do list because of that.”

Cooley said she tried to explain that the shooting was random and not an indication of security at theaters in general, “but I can see where she’s coming from. Why put yourself in harm’s way?”

Theaters Increase Security Following Batman MassacrePhoto courtesy: KSEE24

At the United Artists Riverview Stadium 17 in Philadelphia, a steady stream of people headed in for morning showings of “The Dark Knight Rises.” Staff members said that there was extra security, but that that was normal for big movies — and not because of the shooting in Colorado.

Neal Mates, 38, a professed “film geek,” said: “Shootings can happen anywhere … I think it’s silly to blame the film.”

Executives of St. Louis-based Wehrenberg Theatres had discussions before dawn with managers of its 15 cinemas in Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, and Iowa, spokeswoman Kelly Hoskins said. She said the company feels comfortable with security already in place and plans no changes. She said she hopes other theater chains don’t panic and cancel showings.

(Related: Suspect in ‘Dark Knight Rises’ Shooting Identified)

“That just wouldn’t be good,” she said. “It’s like a terrorist attack — you don‘t want them to think we’re all scared.”

The National Association of Theater Owners said in a statement that its members are “working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures.“ AMC Theaters said it is ”actively working with local law enforcement in communities throughout the nation and under the circumstances, we are reaching out to all of our theaters to review our safety and security procedures.”

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Comments (47)

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  • woodyl1011fl
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:36pm

    The scorecard on the theater company’s stupid policies on letting you protect yourself and your loved ones if your licensed to carry is; 12 dead, 58 hospitalized. Killer still alive. Democrats will use him for their own political purposes and it has already started; they are as sick as he is!! Never let a national tragedy fade until you have squeezed the last ounce of political demagoguery out of it is their core action motto of their pathetic deceitful party.

    Report Post »  
  • RetiredAmericanNavyTaxpayer
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 3:34pm

    —> Coming soon to a theater near you !! Featuring <—

    Full body scans !!

    Intimate gropings !!

    Strip searches !!

    Confiscation of suspicious snacks !!

    Special attention given to under-age children !!

    Brought to you by Big Sis and the DHS.

    Report Post » RetiredAmericanNavyTaxpayer  
  • Zoe
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 2:13pm

    Increased Security? All patrons required to have armed escort if they’re not packing?

    Works for me…..

    Nobody’s thinking stuff through……… That, will get you K_lled…..

    Report Post » Zoe  
  • Willik
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 1:20pm

    As usual, overreaction to a tragic event such as this raises it’s ugly head and gives those with an anti-Constitution agenda a platform.

    Report Post » Willik  
    • IMAWAKENOW
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 1:35pm

      Someone tell me how a metal detector and a rent a cop at the front door would have kept this guy from bringing the guns in the emergency exit as just happened. The only solution is to have one guard assigned to every person that leaves their house. Look at all the new gvt jobs that would create. I suppose we can tax the rich a bit more to pay for them.
      Should I apply to the Obummer administration for a job?

      Report Post » IMAWAKENOW  
  • bigbear_awake
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 11:43am

    another excuse to take your freedom TSA at movie theaters

    Report Post » bigbear_awake  
  • All Pro
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 6:40am

    The FBI knew something like this was going to happened and sent out a warning back in May.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9aVMfYR8to&feature=share
    Then the warning was scrubbed from the internet.

    Report Post » All Pro  
  • Skee
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 12:39am

    A day late and a dollar short comes to mind.
    Even if cops were there, sitting out front.
    The massacre would have been unfolding inside.
    The only way this could have been avoided
    is the gunman was staring down the barrels
    of ten other guns of the moviegoers
    before he got a shot off.

    Report Post » Skee  
    • jagape
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 12:43pm

      Yes!!!!! Arizona and Texas…wish it was in California.

      Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on July 21, 2012 at 12:08am

    Ain‘t skeered and don’t like movies.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • UnifiedSerenity
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 11:44pm

    Instead of banning guns let’s ban movies. Let’s ban public venues. Let’s ban eating out. Let’s ban sticks, knives, fire, pencils, pens, let’s ban talking, news, tv, life… yes, let’s all just stop living because that will make us safe. I am frustrated. Security helps, but what about when we don’t have a cop within 10 feet of us, oh wait, 1 foot of us so we can cower behind them, that’s better. Freedom is not free. No one can stop a psychopath from trying something, but if people had been armed he would not have gotten nearly as far as he did.

    Report Post » UnifiedSerenity  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:08pm

    Don’t be scared children…pack heat.

    Report Post »  
  • Gregb
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 9:07pm

    so, the shooter was an occupy wall streeter?

    Report Post » Gregb  
    • BryanB
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 9:13pm

      I haven’t heard anything like that…..Please don’t put-up information that you don’t know that is fact.

      And then post a link………..

      Report Post » BryanB  
    • IMAWAKENOW
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 1:46pm

      No, he was a geeky kid that grew up not fitting in. He immersed himself in fantasy. Was indoctrinated in college by profs that have a chip on their shoulder about society and he snapped. …. Can I change my mind, Yes, he probably was OW.

      Report Post » IMAWAKENOW  
  • MidWestWingedOne
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:52pm

    Great. More theater security, now I’ll never get my smuggled twizzlers in and have to pay their prices….I bet TSA will be strip searching soon enough…

    Report Post » MidWestWingedOne  
  • mbck1491
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:50pm

    Too bad I live on the other side of the country. For years now every time I go to a movie theater or just go in public domain I make sure I have a concealed gun on my body. I find it strange that not a single person in the movie theater didn’t have a gun. If I was present his terrorist act would have been cut dramatically shorter.

    Report Post »  
    • danno1964
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:15pm

      mbck1491, My thoughts exactly. I wondered why there was no one at the Gabbi Giffords shooting who had a weapon to bring to bear. And last night, why was no one armed? I can’t remember the last time I went to the theater without my legally carried concealed weapon. Granted this guy was well armed and apparently wearing some type of body armor, but when I train it’s 2 shots to the chest, 1 shot to the head. I can’t say one way or another that if your or I had been there that the outcome would have been any different, but at least there would have been a chance at stopping this guy.
      Wake up people and start to take control of your lives. This includes your own security. I read interviews with some of the people there who said all they could do was try to hide under a seat and pray to God that they didn’t get shot. Puhleeeeeze. Take some responsabilty for your own life. Get trained, get a gun and carry legally. Refuse to be a victim.

      Report Post »  
    • jagape
      Posted on July 21, 2012 at 12:48pm

      Totally Agree with both of you. Hollows in the 40 and FMJ in 9mm (ankle).

      Report Post »  
  • Restored One
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:39pm

    My 11 year old has had this day planned to go see Brave with her aunt. She was aware of the tragedy today and was actually watching with me when the Pshycologist spoke about how to talk to your kids about this. She was ok about going to the movie, especially it being Brave.

    Report Post »  
  • OneShotPagan
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:58pm

    … and the terrorists win again … we change our rules for them … The US has lost to every terrorist organization in the world because the fool who think they are in control react to everything they throw at us … including this domestic freak attack … as the Dem’s say, let no Crisis go unexploited!

    Report Post » OneShotPagan  
  • Gregb
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:51pm

    darn it… no more midnight transvestite movies with meat loaf and toilet paper rolls

    Report Post » Gregb  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:32pm

    “We’re doing this to raise the comfort level,” Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.”

    A police state does not raise my comfort level. Every law abiding citizen packing heat does raise my comfort level. Not a single person in that theater, outside of the shooter, had a gun??

    Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:59pm

      I agree Good. This smells like a setup.

      Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:38pm

      Ya know Goodstuff there is a presidential nominee that supported your very idea. Unfortunately we are stuck between a guy wanting to hand our guns over to the UN and another guy who will hand our guns over the UN.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:53pm

      @Goodstuff, You said it. I can’t for the life of me understand any other perspective. Increasing security after the fact acomplishes nothing. I don’t know seems to be an Urban vs. Rural attitude, but I don’t get it.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • MEANS2RESIST
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 9:57pm

      It was a set up…this intellect for the most part a “geek” had military grade equipment CS gas cannisters which can’t be obtained by civilians, body armor, gas mask, managed to hit over 70 people. I‘ll guarantee he didn’t think this one up all by his geek self. This stinks of a govt psyop!

      http://www.naturalnews.com/036536_James_Holmes_shooting_false_flag.html

      Report Post » MEANS2RESIST  
    • MEANS2RESIST
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:33pm

      False flag FBI op, to usher in police state even faster……

      http://www.naturalnews.com/036536_James_Holmes_shooting_false_flag.html

      Report Post » MEANS2RESIST  
  • purecolorartist
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:32pm

    Anyone know if any of these shooters have been NRA members? I haven’t found one mass killer being an NRA member.

    Report Post » purecolorartist  
  • Mike Benton
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:32pm

    If the reports are true that the killer came in early and then went out a fire door, leaving it propped open so he could get back in someone needs to be fired. That fire door had to have a monitor on it and no one paid any attention to it. Let the lawsuits begin.

    Report Post » Mike Benton  
  • copatriots
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:28pm

    Oh my gosh…….I’ve never been so disgusted by the shameless, POS, wannebe prez as I am tonight. Not only did the SOB use a teleprompter to discuss today’s tragedy as well as politicizing the deaths of the innocent victims……he surely did not say a prayer rather suggested a “moment of silence”. It was all about him……all about it could of been his daughters. How in the hell did this idiot ever become president?

    http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/07/20/obama_prays_for_co_victims_what_if_malia_and_sasha_had_been_in_the_theater.html

    Report Post »  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:35pm

      Obama is a narcissist, but in all fairness, Romney read from notes today…what’s the diff?

      Report Post »  
    • copatriots
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:49pm

      Romney isn’t the president. Nor was his speech completely narcississtic and he actually did invoke prayer and the name of God.

      “We pray that the wounded will recover and that those who are grieving will know the nearness of God.”

      Report Post »  
    • Restored One
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:36pm

      I was very impressed with Romney’s speech about this tragedy. To listen to him talk about God and prayer, comforted me. I did not hear Obama’s speech, only the snipets that have been replayed. Even in tragedy I feel that he is talking down to us, and I have noticed that lately his speeches have a tint of ebonics in the dialect more than usual.

      Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:28pm

    Who cares. It won’t affect me. This is another venue I will not participate in because of our ridiculous laws. I treat airports the same way. The list continues to grown actually.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:03pm

      This could be a false flag to get a TSA-like security web extended to public movie theaters in a effort to expand the brainwashing that is already taking place at airports. This gets more people used to having their freedoms usurped.

      Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:20pm

      MIL-DOT Right you are sir,we are currently living in a police state but the vast majority of people don’t even realize it.From the government’s POV it worked flawlessly,to rid the citizens of their liberty and they don’t even know it.Every massacre like this will be used by government to enact new laws and regulations to make us ‘safe’.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:16pm

    This is what this movie will be associated with for the rest of recorded history.
    Like the Challenger tragedy. Most all missions were not remembered for much. But that one.
    The same goes for this movie. It’ll be bought for the evil attached to the franchise at this moment.
    And the fear that you’ll feel if or when you go to see it in theaters.
    It‘s an awful association but it’s already begun and won’t stop with all the security in the world.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • MAMMY_NUNN
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:11pm

    Hope their not profiling Muslims.

    Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:09pm

    Call in the TSA?……..police state cometh.

    Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:40pm

      Its coming and neither of the two guys we have to choose from for president want to end the TSA.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:05pm

    He looks sick,……..

    Report Post »  
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