All Showings Will Continue at Fredericksburg Area Movie Theaters

The Fredericksburg area's three movie theaters will air all showings of Batman and other movies Friday despite the Colorado tragedy where a gunman wearing a gas mask shot and killed 12 people and injured 50 more. The incident happened in an Aurora, CO movie theater during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises," the latest Batman release. 

Kris Knox, the general manager of Paragon Village 12 behind the Spotsylvania Towne Centre, said that he has met with his staff and instructed everyone to have a heightened awareness for anything suspicious. Moviegoers with oversized bags could be asked to open them for inspection. Knox said because the Colorado gunman entered through an exit door, his staff will make sure Paragon's exit doors are secured for all showings.

"That is going to be a major focus for everyone to make sure the exit doors are secured," he said.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office deputies often patrol the theater on busy days and Knox said he will likely coordinate with them later.

"Anytime our crowds are going to be large we try to partner up with them more," he said.

Regal Cinemas 14 at 3301 Plank Rd. will air all showings, but the general manager said she was not allowed to speak for the company and provided a corporate number to contact, but no one answered at that number.

Regal Cinemas have a private security firm at the cinema premises at all times. 

Marquee Cinemas-Southpoint 9 at 5800 Southpoint Blvd. is also airing all showings and the general manager said the theater will operate as normal.

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