Theaters Protect Customers With Seen and Unseen Measures
[gtxvideo vid=”okOCHzGj” playlist=”” pid=”Bbt3TRDe” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/okOCHzGj.jpg” vtitle=”theater securityβ]
CHARLOTTE, NC — As Louisiana mourns the death of two women killed when John Houser opened fire during a movie, Charlotte theaters are reviewing security policies to improve any measures to protect crowds.
“You can’t even have a good time anymore,” said Tracy Anthony. “It’s a shame.”
Anthony and her family are avoiding the movies for now.Β
Β
“I want to go, but no. I’m real tensed up about that. You know, because you never know,” said Doretha Anthony.
Β
Others not deterred.
Β
“I’m not concerned about going to the movie tonight,” said Mark Allen.Β
Β
Theaters around the country and in North Carolina stepped up security three years ago after James Holmes killed 12 in the Colorado cinema shooting.
Β
When Houser fired shots Thursday, police say officers quickly closed in. Houser, who family says had a history of mental illness, retreated back into the theater and killed himself.
Β
“It’s a multi-faceted problem,” said Terry Taylor-Allen. “But more fear is not going to solve the problem, it needs to be policy directed. We need much better gun laws and more help for mental health services.”
Β
In Charlotte, off duty officers monitoring theaters are obvious, but unknown to customers, managers say doors have silent alarms that send signals to emergency response teams.
Β
“They need to have more security,” said Tracy Anthony. “A lot of metal detectors, some type of something, that, you know, picks up weapons.”
Β
Others argue, no matter what measures are in place, theaters remain open for the public to come and go as they please. Anyone wanting to cause harm, could.
