US: Military issues warning ahead of film release October 1

Event

On Tuesday, October 1, the US Military has issued a warning to service members nationwide on the potential for mass shootings at screenings of the movie Joker, which will be released on Friday, October 4. The FBI issued a bulletin citing the risk of possible violence, with reference to extremist groups' social media accounts. Concerns have also been raised due to the realistic depictions of violence and the central character's comic book link to the 2012 Dark Knight Rises film, which is now associated with a mass shooting.

The New York Police Department stated that plainclothes police officers will be present at some theaters and screenings in all of New York's five boroughs in the coming days. Other urban centers may adopt similar measures based on the assessed risk.

A heightened security presence may be observed at and near cinemas across the country.

Context

On July 2012, a mass shooting took place in Aurora, Colorado during a late-night screening of the film the Dark Knight Rises. A total of 12 people were killed and 70 were injured.

Advice

Individuals attending this film screening across the United States are advised to remain aware and report suspicious objects and behavior to the police, follow instructions issued by local authorities.