The new Joker movie has received all sorts of controversy lately leading up to its release, but nothing has been as extreme as this. It appears now that even the US military is being involved – and they’re warning audiences of potential Joker theater shootings during screenings.
The email marked “For official use only,” began making rounds on September 18. It urged its recipients to “identify two escape routes” and even “run, hide, fight”.
“Run if you can,” the message 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.”
Gizmodo came across the email and was even able to confirm with the US Army its legitimacy. Apparently “incel” extremists have been making social media posts on the subject which were flagged by the FBI.
According to the email, these “incels” tend to “idolize the Joker character, the violent clown from the Batman series, admiring his depiction as a man who must pretend to be happy, but eventually fights back against bullies.”
It appears that in the end this is simply a routine email, however.
“We want our workforce to be prepared and diligent on personal safety both inside the workplace and out,” an Army spokesperson said.
Finally, on Monday, it seems that “credible” information was taken by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division in Texas. They’ve discovered “disturbing and very specific chatter” posted on the dark web regarding “the targeting of an unknown movie theater during the release.”
In the new film…
“Failed comedian Arthur Fleck encounters violent thugs while wandering the streets of Gotham City dressed as a clown. Disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow dissent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.“
Joker releases on October 4, 2019. Hopefully none of these worries about Joker theater shootings will end up justified. After all, it’s ultimately just a movie.
Source: Gizmodo