Crime & Safety

Increased Security Planned For San Mateo Cinema

San Mateo police announced an increased presence near the downtown San Mateo cinema in response to the shooting of more than 50 people at an Aurora, Colo. cinema overnight.

In the wake of the tragic cinema overnight where a gunman opened fire in a crowded theater during a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises,” San Mateo police officials announced plans for an increased presence in the downtown San Mateo movie theater area.

Police personnel said they have met with local movie theater management teams to discuss safety protocol and increased security over the weekend. While officials said they believe the Colorado incident was an isolated one, they hope extra caution will allay concerns of moviegoers and dissuade any reactionary incidents.

San Francisco police are additionally providing extra patrols at theaters throughout the city.

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The mass shooting in Aurora, Colo. killed 12 people and injured nearly 50 others.     

James Holmes, 24, has been arrested in connection with the shooting, Aurora police said.

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The incident Friday morning is likely to start a discussion about personal safety in public places, as well as gun control laws.

State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco/San Mateo, said in a statement that the tragedy reaffirms the need to close a loophole in California's assault weapon law.    

Yee is authoring a bill to limit the easy reloading of semi-automatic weapons such as AR-15s and AK-47s.      

"These events are shocking to all of us and sadly remind us of the carnage that is possible when assault weapons get into the wrong hands," he said. "It is imperative that we take every step possible to eliminate the types of senseless killings witnessed in Aurora, Colorado."


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