Las Vegas-area theaters taking precautions in wake of shootings

Local movie theaters tightened security and are changing policies in the wake of the mass shootings during a screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colo.

"When we have pictures that come out that are violent pictures, in general, we usually take a little bit of precaution," said Johnny Brenden, president and CEO of Brenden Theatres, which operates locally at the Palms. "But after (Friday's) incident, obviously we're stepping it up more."

Brenden said he's been working with Palms security as well as Las Vegas police.

"We'll have security at the podium. We'll have security in the auditorium," he explained. "Then we connected with Metro, and they'll be patrolling the outside of the perimeter of the theater. We're not going to overkill, but we're definitely taking precaution."

Las Vegas police said they weren't increasing patrols around theaters, but were dispatching officers to theaters to talk to the managers.

"We're asking movie theater operators just to have a good sense of vigilance, and if they see something that doesn't look right, say something," Sgt. John Sheahan said.

Most local theater employees were unable to comment on any additional security measures, per corporate policy.

"The security and safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority," Regal Entertainment Group said in a statement. "As is our custom, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security needs as necessary."

Regal operates theaters at Aliante, Boulder, Sunset and Texas stations, Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock Resort, Fiesta Henderson, Village Square and Henderson's Colonnade.

Station Casinos spokeswoman Lori Nelson said while many of the company's properties house movie theaters, they are considered tenants, and security issues within those facilities fall to the theaters.

"However, if there was an emergency situation," she said, "our security team would respond accordingly."

Galaxy Theatres, which runs the cinema at the Cannery in North Las Vegas, has "sophisticated surveillance systems at our theatres and regularly train(s) our staff on emergency protocols and procedures," according to a statement.

AMC Theatres, which operates the Rainbow Promenade at 2321 N. Rainbow Blvd., has banned masks, fake weapons and "costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable," the chain said in a statement.

You won't see anyone wearing a mask walking through a casino to attend a movie. Patrons are welcome to wear costumes on casino property, but because of surveillance needs, Nelson said, masks are prohibited. Whether moviegoers are allowed to put on a mask once they cross the threshold into a theater, she said, is up to theater personnel.

"At any casino in Vegas," Brenden added, "usually security nabs people anyway when they come in with any kind of masks."

Jordan Wagner, 18, said he had planned on going to a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" on Thursday, but an early morning doctor's appointment kept him away. He instead bought a ticket for a Friday afternoon showing.

"The shooting didn't concern me," he said. "I think it's terrible, but it's not going to keep me away. I mean, I didn't stop going to school after Columbine."

Review-Journal writers Richard Lake and Lawrence Mower contributed to this report.