SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Following news that the recent movie theatre shooting suspect in Colorado made himself look like the Joker, a Batman villain, some movie theatres are now banning certain costumes.
When the world looks at shooting suspect James Holmes, they see a clean cut photo from his days in college. But during early Friday morning’s deadly shooting at an Aurora, Colorado movie theatre, investigators said Holmes looked much different.
"He had his hair painted red, he said he was the Joker," said a New York Police Commissioner, helping with the Colorado investigation.
Dressing in costume for blockbuster movie premieres is something fans do across the country. But now after what happened AMC movie theatres are banning costumes that “make guests feel uncomfortable” including masks and fake weapons.
In Utah, executives who run the Megaplex Theatres said people in costume are still welcome.
"We want people to come out, have a good time, carry on with the way they would. Just be safe and secure in a fun, family friendly environment," said Blake Anderson, Senior Vice President, Megaplex Theatres.
But if you ask movie goers, not everyone thinks costumes are safe anymore.
"It is a big risk," said one movie goer.
"Costumes probably not, people in costumes - I would be scared of," said another.
"It's sad that you can't trust anybody now days, I definitely think it's a risk," said a third movie goer.
ABC 4 contacted Cinemark, who operates the theatre where the shooting took place, about their policy on costumes and they declined to comment.
