The U.S. military has warned service members about potential mass shooters at screenings for the upcoming “Joker” film, according to multiple reports.
The U.S. Army confirmed that the warning was distributed nationwide after the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered multiple extremists — or “incels” — wrote on social media about potential attacks, according to Gizmodo.
Service members were told back on Sept. 18 to be mindful of surroundings and keep an eye on escape routes in theaters.
If there were shootings, the service members were told to “run, hide, fight.”
“Run if you can,” the safety notice said. “If you’re stuck, hide (also known as ‘sheltering in place’), and stay quiet. If a shooter finds you, fight with whatever you can.”
The Army said it is unaware about any specific threats or plots. The email was a precautionary measure to protect people.
“We do this routinely because the safety and security of our workforce is paramount. We want our workforce to be prepared and diligent on personal safety both inside the workplace and out,” an Army spokesperson told Gizmodo.
This bit of news comes as families and victims of the 2012 mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado, expressed concern about the film’s release, as reported by the Deseret News.
Families hope Warner Bros. will speak out against gun violence.
Reports suggested the Aurora, Colorado, theater where the 2012 shooting took place won’t air the film.