EAST TEXAS (KYTX) - Several East Texas theaters are stepping up security after the mass shooting in Colorado.
A man armed with guns and smoke bombs killed 12 people and wounded many others during a showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."
As the smell of buttery popcorn fills the air of the Plaza Cinema 3 in Henderson, customers stand at the front counter getting their movie snacks before the midday showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."
"Today is his birthday, he turns 15," said Victoria Hanks.
Victoria Hanks brought her brother and sister to see the movie that has been surrounded in controversy.
Victoria admits she was afraid to come to the theater after the shooting in Colorado.
"My mom and me were sitting down. We were like that's horrible, why would anybody want to do that?" said Hanks.
Byron Berkley, the owner and President of Foothills Entertainment understands that concern. He owns the theater in Henderson along with others in Jacksonville, Kilgore and Mineral Wells.
"It was pretty obvious to us that a lot of parents told their kids they didn't want them to come to the theater on the weekend," explained Berkley.
Berkley said attendance dropped at his group of East Texas theaters by as much as 15%. For his customers sake, he immediately beefed up security and put his managers through security training.
"We check the theaters internally more often, check the exit doors more frequently," said Berkley.
You'll already find security cameras in the lobby along with officers on Fridays and Saturdays. Now, officers will also be at the theater on Sundays and Tuesdays, another busy time for the theater.
"I feel more safe, bringing my little sister and my little brother," said Hanks.
Customers will not be allowed to come into the theater wearing costumes or unusual clothing.
Nationwide, at least three men have been accused of making threats during or after watching the new Batman movie.
