The “Joker” hit movie theaters this week despite a wave of criticism that it glorifies a killer and could encourage copycat attacks nationwide.
According to CNN, a joint bulletin from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security warned law enforcement after online threats called for mass shootings at movie showings. The bulletin shared with police this week said while federal authorities had no information leading to specific or credible threats to particular venues, they had received tips of threats posted on social media since at least May.
In response, movie theatres across the country have beefed up their security, including Cinemark Movies 8 in Paris.
Paris Chief of Police Bob Hundley confirmed to myparistexas.com that our local movie theatre has, in fact, requested security for opening weekend this weekend.
“The Paris Police Department routinely provides security to Cinemark Movies 8 in Paris on a regular basis to provide the extra security and make sure all moviegoers feel safe,” said Chief Hundley, “that will be no different this weekend, however, we will have an officer on duty through Sunday and additional hours on those days.”
Hundley said while there have been no credible threats in Lamar County, he does want the public to know that the police department will be at Cinemark Movies 8 in high visibility.
The U.S. military was even prompted to issue a memo last week warning of an enhanced threat at theaters themselves.
The movie featuring Joaquin Phoenix tells the story of Arthur Fleck.
“Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks — the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he’s part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.
“Joker” is rated R.
Cinemark Movies 8 was unavailable for comment at time of press.
Photo: Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP
