Emagine CEO: No Movie Theater Security Measures Can Stop a Madman

Emagine Entertainment CEO Paul Glantz said in a statement that "no reasonable level of security would have effectively addressed the tragedy that unfolded in Aurora, Colorado" last night, when a 24-year-old gunman opened fire in a crowded movie theater, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more at the midnight premiere of the new Batman movie.

Emagine operates the theaters in Rochester Hills, Canton, Novi, Royal Oak and Woodhaven.

After expressing his sympathy for the victims, Glantz states that security of its guests is Emagines' foremost responsibility and urges movie-goers to "view such events in the context of a historical perspective."

"Just as no realistic building code provision could save a building from a direct hit by a 747, no practical security measures are sufficient to preclude a madman intent on committing mass murder," Glantz says in the statement.

The Huffington Post reported that Warner Brothers had canceled its 'Dark Knight' Paris premeire because of the violence in Colorado.

Glantz's full statement follows:

"Emagine Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliates would like to express its deepest sympathy to the victims and family members of those subjected to the senseless acts of violence at Century’s theatre in Aurora, Colorado last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering from the heinous act of a deranged individual."

"It is important for the movie-going public to view such events in the context of a historical perspective. Since the beginning of mankind, there have been innumerable instances of such violence. For example, going back to 1927, 38 school children and 6 adults were killed in a bomb attack on an elementary school in Bath Township, Michigan. Hundreds of millions of school children have since attended school without incident, though in another isolated incident, 12 students and 1 teacher were killed in 1999 at Columbine High School. On the face of things, it might appear that one is far less safe in a public setting today. However, the reality is that the U.S. population has almost tripled since 1927. There is no empirical evidence to show that non-terrorist related mass violence has grown more than in proportion to the population during such timeframe. Moreover, the increase in media coverage and instantaneous reporting of such stories is far more pronounced in a 21st Century digital age."

"Emagine considers the safety and security of its guests its foremost responsibility. Emagine has emergency alarms and lighting systems in all of its venues. Emagine maintains a sophisticated surveillance system throughout all of it properties, as well. Emagine leaders regular train their staff on emergency evacuation protocols and procedures. Emagine also employs dedicated security personnel at all of its venues during peak times. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is important to recognize that no reasonable level of security would have effectively addressed the tragedy that unfolded in Aurora, Colorado last evening. Just as no realistic building code provision could save a building from a direct hit by a 747, no practical security measures are sufficient to preclude a madman intent on committing mass murder."

"Movie-going remains one of America’s most prolific forms of out-of-home entertainment. Americans love going to the movies and Emagine is committed to making each of its guests’ experiences truly exemplary. Again, Emagine and its leadership team extend its heartfelt sympathy to the innocent victims in Colorado and to our industry brethren, Century Theatres."