NY police strengthen security around theaters after Colorado shooting

PanARMENIAN.Net - New York police posted officers at dozens of theaters around the city. Ticket-takers at a multiplex in Washington searched moviegoers' bags and purses. And one of the nation's biggest theater chains barred patrons from wearing masks or costumes, the Associated Press reported.

Security was stepped up in places around the U.S. during showings of the new Batman movie Friday, July 20, after the massacre in Colorado. And while some people said they were afraid to go to the movies in the wake of the shooting rampage, many others were undeterred by the tragedy and eager to see "The Dark Knight Rises."

Theaters took the precautions after a gunman wearing a gas mask opened fire at a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colo., killing at least 12 people. There was extra security Friday night at four theaters showing the movie in Aurora, Police Chief Dan Oates said.

In Washington, the Homeland Security Department held a conference call with officials from the commercial, entertainment and shopping mall industries to discuss what security measures they could take to prevent something like this from happening again.