The Wynnsong Cinemas in Albany was one of hundreds of movie theatres across the country searched by police and bomb squads today after a threat was called into the Carmike Cinemas chain.
A phone message left at their corporate headquarters claimed bombs had been placed in theatres, but no bombs have been found.
It's been less than a month since one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history took place at a Colorado movie theatre, 12 people killed and 58 injured. So law enforcement took this bomb threat seriously and responded quickly.
Nearly a half dozen Albany Police officers searched the Wynnsong Cinemas this morning, while dozens of people waited outside.
"We received a threat. It came in from the Columbus office, referencing all Wynnsong Theaters. That's a possible bomb would be placed in one of their theaters. Of course we take all theaters seriously," said Albany Police Captain, Benita Childs.
Carmike Spokesperson Terrell Mayton told NBC that the threat was left in a phone message at their Columbus corporate headquarters, by a person identifying himself as a theater vendor. They said the threat was aimed at all the theaters showing "The Expendables 2."
The theater chain then sent out the alert to local police across 35 states.
The Albany theater was not open yet when police were called.
"So we immediately came over here and checked the building thoroughly. A sweep. And made sure we found no suspicious packages or anything that indicates there is a problem here," said Childs.
At noon the doors were opened and waiting customers filed in, while police watched.
On July 20th a lone gunman hurled a gas canister in a crowded Denver area theater during the midnight showing of the Batman movie, and opened fire killing 12 people.
Now another theater threat, but movie goers we talked with today said they are not concerned.
"Well, anything can happen. Anything's possible, but I'm not going to sit and dwell on all the negatives," said Francis Meneely, Movie Goer.
"I think, why should terrorism hurt me, or try to stop men from watching movies. I feel like, I just don't worry about stuff like that usually," said A. J. Bailey, Movie Goer.
Atlanta Police spokesperson's said Carmike officials believe the bomb threat phone call came from a former employee.
The Carmike spokesperson said heightened security measures will remain in place for the rest of the day.
Carmike is the fourth largest movie theater chain in the country, with 236 theaters in 35 states.
Last night at a Columbus Carmike theater, 23-year old Joseph Vardeman was arrested with a loaded 9 millimeter pistol in a bag as he entered.
Police found one hundred rounds of ammunition in his car.
Investigators don't think that arrest is connected to the bomb threat.
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