Batman Staying On At Metro Theaters; Some Costumes, Masks Banned
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The show is going on at most movie theaters in the Twin Cities on Friday despite the tragedy that took place in Aurora, Colo.
A lone gunman entered a theater at around 12:30 a.m. Friday in Colorado and went on a rampage, killing at least 12 people and injuring 59 others. The man, later identified by authorities as 24-year-old James Holmes, was taken into custody without incident in connection with the shootings. He could appear in court as early as Friday afternoon.
No Twin Cities theaters at this point have made any official announcements of canceling showings of "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises," in light of the tragedy. Many are not commenting on the incident at all. Some, however, are enforcing policies that ban masks and certain offensive costumes. Below are statements from the Mall of America, AMC Theaters and IMAX:
Officials with the Mall of America said they will have heightened security for showings of the movie on Friday. They said costumes are allowed as long as there are no head coverings, masks or face makeup. Fake weapons are not allowed, at all.
Officials also said they reserve the right turn away any costume that may offend movie goers or make them uncomfortable.
AMC Theatres gave out a statement Friday afternoon saying that it is reinforcing security procedures at its local theaters. The company's statement did not go into detail, citing safety reasons, but it did say theaters are working with local law enforcement, landlords and local security teams to ensure movie goers' safety.
The Eden Prairie Police Department said it has increased patrol efforts about the city's AMC theater and mall.
No one dressed in costumes that might make others feel uncomfortable will be allowed in the AMC theaters, the company said. Face-covering masks and fake weapons are also forbidden.
Refunds, however, are available, AMC said.
IMAX sent out an official statement saying, "This is a terrible tragedy and we express our deepest sympathies for the victims and their families. In addition to the safety procedures already in place, IMAX is monitoring the situation closely and is in contact with public safety officials to ensure that appropriate steps are being taken for the safety of our moviegoers."
