South Floridians react to Colo. movie shooting

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Local movie goers said they are saddened by the massacre in Colorado, but still plan on going to see the Batman movie.

Despite the news of the deadly tragedy at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater, many South Floridians are still going to the movies to see the premiere of "The Dark Night Rises."

Jesse Martin stood in line at the Cinemark in Davie Friday morning, waiting to see the film after hearing of the Colorado movie theater shooting. "Pretty crazy, someone going in and shooting people up over I don't even know what. They haven't figured it out, but it's kind of crazy."

Jason Corbo was also there to see the Batman movie. He said, "It's kind of sad knowing that you're going to the movie theater with your family and out of nowhere somebody just starts unleashing on everybody."

"I think it's a tragedy. You can't even protect yourself from somebody like that," said Tyler Tieder. "I guess someone wanted to do something crazy, and they did it. It's a tragedy."

It is a terrible scene which played out across America and has left people with so many unanswered questions. "I still don't understand how somebody can get inside a movie theater with two rifles, a handgun and a gas mask, tear gas grenade and pass everybody, and even get through the emergency exit," said Corbo. "That means somebody had to let the guy in. So, he has to have somebody else working with him."

Police and movie theaters are working together to provide increased security. Davie Police said patrons at the Cinemark Paradise 24, located at 15601 Sheridan Street in Davie, should expect to see increased security. Police did not go into details as to how they are increasing security, however.

AMC Theatres released a statement regarding increased security at their movie houses. The statement read in part: "We're reinforcing our security procedures with our theatre teams, which we cannot discuss in detail for obvious, safety reasons. Local law enforcement agencies, our landlords and their and our local security teams are stepping up nationwide to ensure we provide the safest environment possible for our guests."

The theater chain stated that all shows remain on schedule. However, they are not permitting any audience members wearing costumes or carrying prop weapons. They are offering refunds to anyone who requests. "We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these circumstances," the statement read.

The news, however, is not deterring movie goers from seeing 'The Dark Night Rises.' The Regal Cinema in Fort Lauderdale said they will be showing the movie every hour on the hour and have no plans to scale back the number of screenings.

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