Rhode Islanders react to mass shooting

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island movie goers are expressing their condolences following Friday's mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater, but say they still plan to see the film.

Eyewitness News spoke with several people attending screenings of the new Batman film, "The Dark Knight Rises," they told us they are sad it happened, but are still going to the movies.

Katie Plante-Szady took her six-year-old son to see the new movie, even after hearing about the shooting.

"He's only six so it's difficult to explain sometimes, some people they, they're just not right."

The shooting was also on the minds of movie goers in Seekonk.

• In-depth: Colo. movie theater massacre
• Timeline:  Colorado movie theater shooting

"It takes the heart right out of you, but I am going to see the movie anyways. I'd like to be here the first day, but it is very disheartening," said John Lima.

Don Fowler said, "It's sad something has to be ruined because of some crazy person."

Cranston Col. Marco Palumbo says they are reminding all officers about their training when it comes to an active shooter at roll call.

“We are talking about it in roll call. This goes to our training after Columbine. It used to be the area would be cordoned off and you establish contact. Now, it’s an active shooter approach. So, in terms of dealing with that threat, we are more prepared than ever before."

A statement on U.S. Senator Jack Reed's website reads in part, "I am outraged by the senseless murder of innocent Americans in Colorado.  This could have been any movie theater in the country, and I join Rhode Islanders in sending my thoughts and prayers to the victims, their loved ones, and the people of Colorado."

• Photos: Colorado movie theater shooting

Several local theaters are adding additional police presence in the wake of the shooting. Warwick Police have stated they plan to increase their visibility at both of the city's movie theaters.

The police stated they are hoping to re-assure the public of their safety and help fight fears of a copycat attack.

Governor Lincoln Chafee has ordered all state flags lowered to half-staff until July 25 at sunset, in honor of the shooting victims.