Staff Report

In light of the shooting spree that occurred in Aurora, Colorado, many individuals around the nation have questioned their local theaters safety. James E. Holmes, 24, killed 12 and injured 58 in his attack on the theater in Aurora during the midnight premier of “The Dark Night Rises” Friday morning.

Carmike Cinemas, who has a theater located in the Middlesboro Mall, released the following statement after the shooting on Friday: “The Carmike Cinemas family is saddened by the senseless shooting of theater guest at the Century 16 in Aurora, Colorado. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the community.”

Carmike Cinemas said their theater teams are trained in standard security procedures and employ a wide variety of those measures at the different complexes across the country. “Many of the security procedures are visible and others are not in the sight of the guests,” said Carmike management in the press release.

“Uniformed law enforcement officers and plain-clothes agents are routinely used. We pride ourselves in taking every reasonable measure to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all of our guests.”

Carmike Cinemas places a policy in view of guests that informs them of the cinema employees’ right to inspect the contents of any backpack, package or bag prior to admission. Weapons of any type are strictly not allowed in Carmike Cinemas.

According to theater manager Donovan King, ticket sales for the movie have still been relatively good despite the event in Aurora. He said he expects sales to increase this coming weekend.

The Dark Night Rises grossed $161 million during its debut weekend, according to eonline.com.