PRINCETON, N.J. — People across the world are anxiously awaiting their chance to see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” when it hits theaters Dec. 18. With that mayhem will come increased security measures.
As a result of the terrorist attacks in Paris and shootings in San Bernardino, Calif., the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) said it is working with law enforcement to provide additional protection to mass gatherings, CBS Philly reports, such as movie theaters where fans will file in to see the latest installment of the classic movie franchise.
“Although there is no specific, credible threat to New Jersey or this film release, we feel these additional security efforts may deter potential nefarious activity around these facilities where large crowds are anticipated,” NJOHSP Director Dr. Christopher Rodriguez said.
“In the new threat environment, it is incumbent on all of us to reinforce to our local communities and to the public the importance of being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, especially as we enter the holiday season.”
Movie theater shootings are not a new threat; back in July, two people were killed and nine were wounded in Lafayette, La., after a shooting at the screening of “Trainwreck.” In 2012, 12 were killed in Aurora, Colo., at the midnight premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises.”
