(DM) – High security is being put in place across the nation ahead of the opening weekend of Joker, as fears mount that the film’s depiction of the Batman villain will inspire an incel mass shooter. Nationwide, police departments and even the Army have issued security alerts and planned stepped up patrols for Joker’s theatrical release on Thursday afternoon, as theater chains put their own measures in place. In New York, the NYPD plans to deploy undercover units to theaters in all five boroughs, as well as the previously announced uniformed patrols that will be stationed at every screening, according to Deadline.
‘If something happens inside one of the screenings, we intend to be able to pacify the situation quickly and conclusively,’ a law enforcement source told the publication. Major theater chains have responded with their own measures. Landmark Theaters, which has 52 locations nationwide, is banning masks, costumes or any face paint at screenings of Joker. Other theater chains plan to implement bag checks and metal detector wands for opening weekend, among other visible and behind-the-scenes measures, according to industry sources. The film, which some reviewers raved would finally win actor Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar, READ MORE
