Threat Rumor At Rockaway Movie Theater Not True: Officials

ROCKAWAY, NJ — A social media rumor about a threat to the AMC Rockaway movie theater attributed to Picatinny Arsenal officials was debunked by Picatinny Arsenal officials on Friday.

"We are aware of information posted on social media falsely attributing comments as made by the Picatinny Arsenal commanding general," officials said on the Arsenal's Facebook page Friday afternoon. "The commanding general of Picatinny Arsenal has received no specific threat information, nor has he communicated that there is a specific threat to Rockaway Mall or any other theater."

The rumor, which gained traction on Snapchat and Facebook, says that the "general of Picatinny" learned about plans for a shooting at the theater this weekend, and issued a "statement" as a "be ready to all military members." This rumor is false, and no such statement was issues, nor are Picatinny Arsenal officials aware of any potential threat.

A spokesperson for AMC Theatres did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment Friday afternoon.

The threat comes the day "The Joker" hits movie theaters. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a failed clown who unravels into darkness and fights back against society. The movie has been criticized for glorifying mass violence, and Phoenix recently walked out of an interview after being asked whether the film could inspire real violence.

In the weeks before the film’s opening date, the FBI told local law-enforcement agencies across the country to watch for troubling online posts, according to the Washington Post.

U.S. military officials also warned about possible violence at screenings after they were contacted by FBI agents who reportedly found social media posts from extremists about possible violence at theaters.

The Army released a memo about online “chatter” on the dark web of threats at a Joker screening. The memo has caused theaters to plan extra security for the film.

AMC Theatres, the biggest movie-theater chain in the United States, previously banned masks in theaters after the Colorado mass shooting, but the company issued a reminder last week that audience members are not allowed to wear anything that obscures their faces. Costumes are still permitted.

"Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face," AMC said in a widely reported statement. "AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie going experience."

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article misstated the location of the theater.