CMPD beefs up presence at theaters in response to ‘Joker' threats across country

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you're heading to a movie theater in Charlotte any time soon, be prepared to see a few more police officers.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department told Channel 9 it's beefing up patrols at local movie theaters because of mass shooting threats circulating around the latest "Joker" movie.

The psychological thriller, which hit theaters on Friday, is being criticized for violence depicted in the trailer.

In the movie, the Joker gets revenge on a society that rejects him by turning to homicidal violence.

Some worry the movie may attract people in the real world with the same feelings.

[ALSO READ: Joaquin Phoenix's 'Joker' won't be shown at Aurora, Colorado, theater]

Timothy Kennel runs a barbershop next to a movie theater that is showing "Joker."

He said he believes it's safe, but police plan to be a little more visible since reports surfaced in Oklahoma about the threat of a potential mass shooting at a theater somewhere in the country showing the film.

At the AMC theater in south Charlotte, people showed up early to see the movie.

Moviegoers told Channel 9's Gina Esposito they decided to go early in wake of concerns about threats.

"It can happen anywhere, anytime," moviegoer Joshua Young said. "I don’t really feel like I have to be scared or concerns about that. With that being said I did come to an early showing, um, I don’t think anything would happen at an early showing."

[RELATED: 'Joker' sets October box-office record for Thursday showings]

Seven years ago, a gunman killed 12 people in a theater near Denver during a screening of a similar movie, "The Dark Knight Rises."

Moviegoer Sharon Carlton said it's a shame that anyone would have to worry about going to the movies.

"I'm not worried. No. I figure that crazies are all over, so," Carlton said.

AMC sent out a reminder that people can't wear masks or face paint inside the theaters.

Concord police told us mall staff will be checking IDs and bags at Concord Mills.

In Rock Hill, AMC has a contract with police to make sure an officer can be at the theater each night.

Officers said there aren't any threats directly related to Charlotte at this point, but they're making their presence known as a precaution.

The FBI sent the following statement to Channel 9:

"While our standard practice is to not comment on specific intelligence products, the FBI is in touch with our law enforcement and private sector partners about the online posts. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to law enforcement."

Cox Media Group