AURORA, Colo. — The Century Aurora and XD movie theater, which was the site of a mass shooting in July 2012 that left 12 dead, confirmed it will not show the thriller "Joker."
On Wednesday morning, the Aurora Police Department said the theater will not show the film.
"We recognize this release may cause concern or the families, friends, first responders and beyond," the police department said. "We ask you take time to remember those lives lost seven years ago. Things like this can trigger many emotions and we urge you to see help if needed. We too are here for you if you need someone to talk to."
The Century Aurora and XD theater’s website does not show any dates or times for “Joker.”
Family and friends of those killed during the 2012 shooting sent a letter to Warner Bros. with their concerns about the movie “Joker.”
The letter was sent to the CEO of the entertainment company on Monday. It was signed by Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, a couple whose 24-year-old daughter, Jessica Ghawi, was killed in the shooting; Theresa Hoover, the mother of 18-year-old Alexander J. Boik, also an Aurora shooting victim; Heather Dearman, whose cousin Ashley Moser, lost an unborn child and a daughter, 6, in the attack; and Tiina Coon, whose son was a witness to the shooting.
“When we learned that Warner Bros. was releasing a movie called 'Joker' that presents the character as a protagonist with a sympathetic origin story, it gave us pause,” the letter read.
The authors of the letter said they wanted to be clear that they support free speech and free expression.
“But as anyone who has ever seen a comic book movie can tell you: with great power comes great responsibility,” they said.
The authors said they wanted to call on Warner Bros. to do the following:
- End political contributions to candidates who take money from the NRA and who vote against gun reform
- Actively lobby for gun reform
- Contribute to survivor funds and gun violence intervention programs
“Since the federal government has failed to pass reforms that raise the standard for gun ownership in America, large companies like Warner Brothers have a responsibility to act. We certainly hope that you do,” the letter concludes.
“Joker” follows the fictional story of a failed comedian as he slowly turns mad, eventually becoming a criminal mastermind. It is scheduled for release in theaters Oct. 4.
This story was originally published by Stephanie Butzer on KMGH.
