In the wake of the Aurora, Colorado massacre on opening night of “The Dark Knight Rises,” the NYPD announced they will provide police presence at theaters showing the film.
“As a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the wake of the horrendous shooting in Colorado, the New York City Police Department is providing coverage at theaters where the ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is playing in the five boroughs,” Commissioner Ray Kelly said in a statement.
Kelly said at a press conference this afternoon that he will have two officers stationed at 40 theaters throughout the city.
There was no police presence outside College Point Multiplex Cinema Friday afternoon, but moviegoers did not seem worried.
“That’s in Colorado – not New York. Anything can happen, but I’m not scared,” said Chris Nardi, 19, of Elmhurst.
A gunman opened fire at a Colorado movie theater killing 12 people and wounding dozens more.
Reports have identified 24-year-old James Holmes as a suspect who was taken into custody.
“I’m a big Batman fan…Unfortunately last night, somebody took it to the next level. I don’t know what was going on through his head. Maybe he took the movie too seriously. Maybe he thought that was how life really is. Unfortunately, he took it out on innocent people who were trying to have a good time. It’s a real shame,” said David Nisbett, 24, of Bayside.
“It’s not enough to prevent me from having a good time. It is enough to keep my eyes open while I’m having a good time because anything can stop that at any moment.”
— Additional reporting by Melissa Chan
