Colorado Shooting Prompts Heightened Awareness at Some Area Theatres

The mass shooting at the première of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, CO, has prompted some St. Louis-area movie theaters to consider increased security. 

At approximately 1 a.m. Friday, a man wearing a gas mask entered the Colorado theater during the midnight showing of the newest Batman movie, hurled a gas canister and then began shooting, the Associated Press reported. At least 50 are injured and 12 have been confirmed dead. 

Police took 24-year old James Holmes into custody for the shooting early Friday morning. No motive has been released. 

The shooting has prompted movie theaters locally and across the country to work with local police. 

AMC also announced on its Facebook page a ban on "costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings."

In Creve Coeur, on duty Creve Coeur police officers plan to conduct extra foot patrols inside the two AMC theatres and patrols of the lots and surrounding areas.

In Affton, movie goers can expect to see St. Louis County Police at Ronnie's Plaza. 

Kelly Hoskins, VP of Wehrenberg theaters, said the only change movie-goers will see in the theater is the added visibility of managers and staff. 

Managers also go through extensive panic button training and check auditoriums on routine basis.

The long-anticipated Batman movie is the third starring Christian Bale as the masked hero. It is directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by Warner Brothers Studios. 

The incident has prompted officials to cancel the midnight premiere in Paris. 

Gregg Palermo contributed to this article.