Stepping Up Security At The Movies
In the wake of the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado, many movie theaters with help from local police departments across the country are stepping up security.
The National Association of Theatre Owners released this statement:
“On behalf of all the members and staff of the National Association of Theatre Owners, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this despicable act and their families. We are grateful for the quick and effective response by police and emergency personnel. Guest safety is, and will continue to be a priority for theater owners. NATO members are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures.”
AMC Theaters are banning face-covering masks & fake weapons from its theaters.
Read a statement below from Ryan Noonan AMC Director of Public Relations:
AMC Theatres is deeply saddened by the Aurora tragedy. Movie going is part of our social fabric and this senseless act shakes us to our core. We’re reinforcing our security procedures with our theatre teams, which we cannot discuss in detail for obvious, safety reasons. Local law enforcement agencies, our landlords and their and our local security teams are stepping up nationwide to ensure we provide the safest environment possible for our guests. We couldn’t be more grateful for their collective support.
At this time, our show schedules circuit-wide will not change. We will not allow any guests into our theatres in costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings. If guests wish to exchange or refund any tickets, we will honor our existing policy and do as our guests wish. We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these circumstances.
New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly had this to say on Friday:
“The New York City Police Department is covering all 40 locations in New York City with police officers, that are showing the Dark Knight Rises, we are doing that to address the potential of a copycat event and to reassure moviegoers, particularly parents we know, a lot of young people are going to see this movie.”
Read a statement below from Tampa’s police who’s increasing its patrols:
“While the Tampa Police Department has no intelligence of any threats to weekend moviegoers, we will increase patrols around Tampa theaters in an abundance of caution. All traditional movie theaters in the city already hire off duty Tampa Police Officers in the evening hours. Since the Colorado tragedy, some theatres have contacted the department to hire day time off duty officers as well. The department conducts active shooter training for shopping malls, large employers, schools and other facilities. It will be offered to Tampa movie theaters in the near future.” -Chief Jane Castor
FOX News Radio’s Steve Taylor caught up with some folks at the movies in Washington, DC on Friday afternoon to get reaction:
Moviegoers at one Washington, DC theater at lunchtime; most of them had heard about the shootings. This young woman hadn’t, but said the news didn’t change her interest in seeing “The Dark Knight Rises”.
Woman: “There are some things you can’t control, and I don’t think we should not have culture because of that.”
Man: “It’s just like getting on a plane. I mean people go to theaters everyday. Things like that don’t normally happen.”
On the other hand, this young man wasn’t going inside. He said the news makes him terrified and scared.
Boy: “I would never go to a movie theater after that.”
No way to know yet how many people agree with him.
In Washington, Steve Taylor, FOX News Radio.
