Edmonds Theater Patrons: Shooting Doesn't Deter Them From 'Dark Knight'

In the aftermath of the it's not suprising that there were increased security measures in place today nationwide at theaters where The Dark Knight Rises was playing.

Edmonds was no different.

The Edmonds Police Department had a patrol car in front of the Edmonds Theater on Main Street in advance of today's 1 p.m. screening, the first since the movie made its midnight debut.

Officer Bill Nelson, a 16-year-veteran of the department, parked his police cruiser and stood inside by the ticket counter.

"Given the tragedy in Colorado, I think the community wants to know that we're aware, on the scene and looking out for everyone's safety," he said.

Marcia Garrett and Bob Stegner purchased tickets for the 8 p.m show today. "We talked about not coming, but decided we would anyway," said Garrett. "It's very comforting to me to see the police presence here. Seeing the squad car out in front made us feel safer. Thank you, Edmonds Police."

Sylvia Kealy, husband Michael and Claire Gerard had  tickets for the 1 p.m. show.

Did the events in Colorado affected their decision to attend the showing?

"Yes," said Kealy, although she added that the group decided to attend anyway. "We heard the news this morning. We're all really sorry about what happened. I guess there will always be crazy people in the world, but we've got to move on."

Siblings Michaela, Ryan and John Meyer also had tickets for the 1 p.m. show.

"It's very depressing and scary that something like this could happen," said Michaela. "A friend in Colorado texted me this morning that several of her acquaintances were in the same multiplex at the time of the shootings, but a different auditorium. We are a bit scared, but we really want to see the movie, so it's not keeping us from coming."

Edmonds Theater cashier Kathy Davis has been an employee for more than two years. "I just don't understand how the gunman got into the theater," she said. "I know the Batman movies are an event, and that some fans come in costume, so maybe the theater staff were less watchful than normal."

The suspected shooter in Colorado, James Holmes, had colored his hair red and told police he was "the Joker," reports CNN. He was heavily armed with black, military or police-style tactical gear including a helmet, vest, leggings, throat protector and groin protector.

Homes was arrested after the shooting at the Century Aurora 16 theater.

As a result of the shooting, which killed 12 people and injured 58, AMC Theaters—which owns the Loews Alderwood Mall 16 in Lynnwood—today said it has banned masks and prop weapons at its theaters, and will kick out anyone who makes other guests "uncomfortable" with their costumes.

AMC posted on its Facebook page that security measures are being tightened and that masks and weapons will not be allowed as part of any costumes: 

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.

Edmonds Patch Editor Brian Soergel and Bellevue Patch Editor Venice Buhain contributed to this report.