Security has been stepped up at movie theaters across the country following the tragic shooting at a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado. Is there a danger of a copycat killer? INSIDE EDITION reports.
The Dark Knight Rises was supposed to be the biggest blockbuster of the year, expected to draw record crowds.
Now, the question is—how will the Aurora, Colorado, massacre impact moviegoers across the country afraid that a copycat might somehow try to imitate what happened?
Security expert Bob Strang told INSIDE EDITION, "Is there someone else somewhere in the country that could possibly do something very similar to what he did? Absolutely. That's why you're going to see a little extra security."
At the Archlight Theater in Hollywood, The Dark Knight Rises has been playing on six different sold-out screens since midnight Friday. The Los Angeles Police Department said it has increased police presence since the massacre in Colorado, and moviegoers INSIDE EDITION spoke to said the tragedy wouldn't stop them from seeing the movie.
One patron said, "You are always worried about copycats, but L.A. is pretty secure."
Another moviegoer said, "Am I going to get frisked on the way in? I am not sure. I just want to see the movie."
Security at movie theaters in New York City, where moviegoers continue to line-up down the block, has also been stepped up.
New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, said in a statement, "The New York City Police Department is covering all 40 locations in New York City with police officers, showing The Dark Knight Rises. We are doing that to address the potential of a copycat."
The film premiered in New York at a gala event Monday night that drew all the stars, including Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Morgan Freeman.
Warner Brothers, the movie's producer, said in a statement, "Warner Bros. is deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."
The Friday night premiere of the movie in Paris has been cancelled. Oscar®-winning actress Marion Cotillard, who is a huge star in France, cancelled her appearance on French TV to talk about the movie.
Sharon Waxman of Thewrap.com told INSIDE EDITION, "People go to the movies to be entertained, they go to the movies to forget about the pressures and the stresses of life. I think that is why they want to go see The Dark Knight.B ut if they have something in the back of their minds that says, 'Maybe I won't feel safe at the theater,' then they might wait."
Along with the rest of the country, celebrities are in shock about the massacre and have gone on Twitter to comment about the Colorado massacre.
Eva Longoria tweeted, "My heart goes out to all the people affected in the aurora, co shooting. May god be with that town and their families..."
And Whoopi Goldberg tweeted, "A mad man has shattered lives forever in Colorado to everyone who helped folks get to safety in that theatre thank you for your bravery."
Now, Warner Brothers said it is pulling this trailer for the upcoming movie Gangster Squad, starring Ryan Gosling and Sean Penn, from all theaters. It featured a gut-wrenching scene of a gangland massacre in a crowded movie theater.
The trailer was scheduled to play before all showings of The Dark Knight Rises, including the one shattered by a madman in Colorado.
