Niko Tavernise / Warner Bros. Pictures via AP
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from “Joker,” in theaters on Oct. 4, 2019.
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 | 11:53 a.m.
Citing the release of the movie “Joker” on Friday, Metro Police announced increased patrols in and around theaters.
The comic book movie has been criticized for the violence it depicts, with some people calling it dangerous and irresponsible.
Metro officials said they were aware of the concern regarding the movie. “Public safety is our top priority and additional resources will be available to respond to local theaters in the event a police response is necessary,” Metro said in a statement.
Police asked people to report any suspicious activity by calling 702-828-7777, 311 or 911.
In 2012, during the midnight release of the “Dark Knight Rises,” a gunman in Colorado killed 12 people in a theatre.
Parents of some of the victims wrote to the studio releasing “Joker,” asking its CEO to support antigun causes. Warner Bros. responded by saying the movie does not endorse “real-world violence.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
