“Joker” Premiere Presents Security Concerns For Theater Chains, Local Police

“Joker” Premiere Presents Security Concerns For Theater Chains, Local Police

Moviegoers and the families of victims of the Aurora theater shooting worry that someone could stage a copycat attack during opening weekend.

Ahead of the premiere of “Joker” on Friday, movie theater chains across the country are considering increased security measures due to spreading concerns over potential violence at screenings. 

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which is based in Texas and operates 40 locations, is adding security personnel in theaters showing the film during opening weekend, according to Entertainment Weekly

In a statement, the company acknowledged “guest inquiries” about what Alamo Drafthouses would do to ensure staff and customer safety. 

“We engage with local law enforcement on an ongoing basis about security at our theaters, and while we’re unaware of any specific threat or concern, we will have additional security personnel present at each location for opening weekend for the comfort of our staff and guests,” the chain said. 

Some of the security concerns stem from the shooting at an Aurora, Colorado theater in 2012 during a screening of “The Dark Knight Rises.” Families of victims have voiced their concerns to Warner Bros. about how the violence in the new “Joker” film may encourage people on the verge of committing mass shootings to do so. 

While it was rumored that the Aurora shooter had referred to himself as the Joker and had dressed as the villain before killing 12 people, Colorado officials have repeatedly said this narrative is false. That perception has provoked some theaters to ban cosplaying, or dressing, as characters in the film. 

"We want all our guests to enjoy the 'Joker' for the cinematic achievement that it is. But no masks, painted faces or costumes will be permitted into our theatres," Landmark Theatres posted in a statement included at the bottom of the page for advance ticket purchases. 

While cosplaying as characters from the film will be allowed at Alamo Drafthouse locations, guests in costume are subject to search at the discretion of staff and could be asked to leave for any reason, the chain said. 

Regal Cinemas, which owns more than 500 theaters across the country, did not say if it would increase security for the films. But the chain did say that it does “not believe the content or existence of any movie is a cause or a signal for violence.” 

“In collaboration with [the National Association of Theatre Owners], we are in regular contact year-round with law enforcement so we have information to help make whatever security assessments they deem appropriate at all times,” Regal said in a statement. 

In Los Angeles, the police department is asking moviegoers to stay vigilant of their surroundings during screenings of the film. 

"While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the Department will maintain high visibility around movie theaters when it opens," the LAPD said in a statement published by CNN. "We encourage everyone to go out and enjoy all of the weekend leisure activities the City has to offer.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Cloud Adoption Gives Way to Hybrid Deployments

    Cloud adoption is growing at an astonishing rate, with Gartner forecasting that worldwide public cloud end-user spending will approach $600 billion by the end of this year—an increase of more than 21% over 2022. McKinsey believes that number could eclipse $1 trillion by the end of the decade, further underscoring the industry’s exponential growth. Read Now

  • AI on the Edge

    Discussions about the merits (or misgivings) around AI (artificial intelligence) are everywhere. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find an article or product literature without mention of it in our industry. If you’re not using AI by now in some capacity, congratulations may be in order since most people are using it in some form daily even without realizing it. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    In an increasingly turbulent world, chief security officers (CSOs) are facing a multitude of challenges that threaten the stability of businesses worldwide. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Security Entrances Move to Center Stage

    Most organizations want to show a friendly face to the public. In today’s world, however, the need to keep people safe and secure has become a prime directive when designing and building facilities of all kinds. Fortunately, there is no need to construct a fortress-like entry that provides that high level of security. Today’s secured entry solutions make it possible to create a welcoming, attractive look and feel at the entry without compromising security. It is for this reason that security entrances have moved to the mainstream. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.” 3