Groton Police To Keep Watch On Theater in Wake of Colorado 'Dark Knight Rises' Shooting

Businesses was quieter than usual at the Groton movie theater Friday and police were making their presence known following an overnight shooting at a Colorado showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in which 12 were killed and at least 50 injured.

Belinda Laflamme, general manager of Groton Cinema 6, located across from the Big Y, said the theater had additional staff on Friday. She said police were also stopping in and patroling the parking lot.

"They're making their presence known," she said.

"It's quieter than we'd like it to be for the opening of a movie, especially on a rainy day. But hopefully that will improve this evening."

Groton Police Lt. James Bee said the department had not hired any additional staff, but was watching the theater carefully.

“We’re not hiring any extra officers, but obviously our officers will keep diligent patrol on the theater,” Bee said.

"The Dark Knight Rises", which is expected to draw record crowds, has seven separate showings today, which started at noon and will run to 9:45 p.m. The theater had a midnight showing on Thursday.

According to the Associated Press, a gunman threw tear gas into a midnight showing of the new film "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colorado, before opening fire on the crowd.