SYRACUSE -- As people here in Central New York and across the country try to understand Friday night's shooting at Colorado movie theater, some wonder if security measures at movie theaters should be increased - at least temporarily- as a precautionary move.
"It's unheard of for something like this to happen but in the long term it could happen again. If you ask me, I would say you should have a little more security,"said Alex Sullivan, of Cazenovia.
In response to the Colorado shooting, Syracuse police will be providing extra security at the Carousel Center theaters on Friday. Regal Entertainment, who operates those theaters and the ones at Shoppingtown and Great Northern Malls stated, "We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security needs as necessary."
Zurich Cinemas who operates theaters in Oswego, Oneida and Rome said they are "reviewing policies". While the idea of added security in movie theaters makes some people more comfortable, others say that it isn't needed, and could be a waste of resources. Julie Dellinger, a Syracuse University student, believes added security is not necessary.
"This one incident doesn't mean this stuff happens all the time. So I think it might be wasteful to enhance security across the board if it's just one guy going off the handle," said Dellinger.
Several people have said that they won't let fear of a shooting stop them from seeing movies or anything they enjoy. Barbara Church, a California native, says she won't let this incident alter her own life.
"I'm not going to give that person an opportunity to control my life, to keep me from doing things I want to do," said Church.
Syracuse Police say they are providing extra security as a precaution against copycats and to help people feel more comfortable.
Regal Cinemas issued the following statement on Friday: "We are profoundly saddened by the tragedy that occurred at a Denver area theatre and are concerned for the victims and their families. The security and safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority. As is our custom, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security needs as necessary. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families."
