Update, 4:00 p.m.: AMC released the following statement Friday afternoon, informing customers that no masks nor "costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable" will be allowed in its theaters for the time being.
Here's the AMC statement:
AMC Theatres is deeply saddened by the Aurora tragedy. Movie going is part of our social fabric and this senseless act shakes us to our core. 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. We couldn’t be more grateful for their collective support.
At this time, our show schedules circuit-wide will not change. We will not allow any guests into our theatres in costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings. If guests wish to exchange or refund any tickets, we will honor our existing policy and do as our guests wish. 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.
Original story: Shows will go on as scheduled tonight at on Route 347, though Suffolk County police officers will heighten security of movie theaters in its jurisdiction in light of a mass shooting at a theater in Colorado.
Here's the full statement released by the Suffolk County Police Department Friday afternoon:
Due to this morning’s tragic movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado, the Suffolk County Police Department will be increasing patrols at movie theaters in Suffolk County. All officers will make frequent checks of movie theaters in their sectors. Additionally, any calls of suspicious packages or persons occurring at large gatherings, particularly movie theaters, will be dispatched immediately. Suffolk County Police have no reason to believe that a similar incident will occur in Suffolk County but the department is taking precautionary measures to ensure residents safety.
More than 70 people were shot, with 12 fatalities, during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora. A 24-year-old man was in the theater's parking lot in connection with the shootings.
Nassau and New York City authorities have also increased patrols at movie theaters following the incident.
