Despite this morning’s shooting in a Colorado movie theater during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises that left 12 people dead and another 50 injured, Waterford’s will show the movie throughout the day with the same amount of police officers on patrol as usual.
Waterford Police Lt. David Burton said the movie theater pays for a Waterford Police Officer every Friday and Saturday night to patrol the area. Tonight, Burton said the officer will be on earlier than normal – 6:30 p.m. – because of the increased volume expected from the movie, not because of the events in Colorado.
The movie, which is expected to draw record crowds, has 15 separate showings today, which started at 10 a.m. and will run to 10:40 p.m. Regal Cinemas has sent out a press release saying they feel for the people who were injured or killed at the Colorado theater.
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragedy that occurred at a Denver area theatre and are concerned for the victims and their families,” the Regal release said. “The security and safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority. As is our custom, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security needs as necessary. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.”
Meanwhile, Waterford Patch asked readers on its Facebook page if they would not go to the movies today because of the attack. Several responders said they wouldn't.
“Didn’t plan on seeing it but was actually (planning on) taking my daughter to the movie today,” Tiffany Fogg-Jones wrote on Waterford Patch’s Facebook page. “But we have now changed my mind… movie day at home for us.”
Keyth Maxwell, in his message on Waterford Patch’s Facebook page, said he was happy the government doesn’t infringe on people’s right to defend themselves.
“Make me nervous about seeing movies in general now,” Maxwell wrote. “Makes me value my right to bear arms even more now.”
