Local Reaction To Tragic Colorado Movie Theater Massacre

Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County-- Word of the tragic massacre inside a Colorado movie theater spread like wildfire through network news outlets and social media.   

Within hours of the reports, people in Wilkes-Barre were debating whether more could have been done in terms of security.

People we talked to downtown agreed the situation in Aurora, Colorado is a senseless tragedy.

But they say it could have happened anywhere.

And, in this day and age, they add they're not sure preventing it was even a possibility.

At least a dozen people dead-- 50 or more wounded-- men, women, boys, and girls from infants through adulthood.

Now, with the suspected shooter is in custody, those on the outside looking in are left to ponder what it all means.

Terry Wiedlich, of Plymouth, lamented, "First and foremost, it's a really bad situation. It's a very bad travesty."

Kendle Jemiola, of Pittston, noted, "I thought that it could've been any one of my friends-- just any old day, going to the movies. It didn't matter that it happened in Colorado. It could've happened here, anywhere."

Robert Lynn didn't mince words when asked his thoughts on the suspected shooter.

Lynn, of Wilkes-Barre, said, "The guy's an idiot. He's a moron. That's what I think."

Whenever tragedy occurs, the first question is usually, "What more could have been done?"

And that's where people we spoke with split.

Wiedlich continued, "When patrons go into a business-- be it a movie theater, a club, whatever the case may be-- it is their ultimate responsibility to guarantee and look out for the safety of their patrons."

Some say more precautions are necessary.

Lynn suggested, "Cameras and metal detectors-- just in case anybody tries to get through with a gun, maybe you could prevent it from happening somehow."

But others aren't sure those measures would be welcomed, let alone effective.

Jemiola added, "Where do you draw the line, talking about adding security to malls and movie theaters? It would be just like the TSA at the airports, and eventually everyone would hate it."          

The right solution? That's likely to be up for debate well into the future.

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