GASTONIA - On Wednesday, police shot a gunman dead at a Nashville theater.
Back on July 23rd, three were killed in a theater shooting in Lafayette, LA.
James Holmes, the man charged in the shooting deaths of 12 people in a 2012 Colorado theater shooting, was just sentenced to life in prison.
In North Carolina, theaters are now stepping up their security.
Mooresville's Amstar 14 Theater now has an increased Mooresville Police presence.
"Stopping in while they're on patrol, just check on the place, maybe pull in front of the building, work on paperwork, hiring out officers that aren't on regular duty to perform security for them," said Major Ron Chilton.
Mooresville officers said they haven't had any incidents yet.
Meanwhile, Gastonia's Regal Franklin Square Stadium 14 has posted signs saying they're conducting bag checks and refusing to let anyone in who has a mask.
Moviegoers on Saturday said the extra measure makes them feel safer.
"We got checked and we did have some candy but nobody said anything," said moviegoer Gil Harris. "I feel a little more comfortable with the security."
"I felt fine. I think people are doing what they need to do," said Cindy Jones. "I don't have a problem with it."
Mooresville officers said the greatest security still comes from moviegoers keeping their eyes peeled for anything suspicious and speaking up.
"We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears because we can't be everywhere all the time," said Maj. Chilton. "Be sure and let the theater staff know if they're there."
"That's the way the world is today and you don't know who you can trust anymore," moviegoer Bonnie Talley said. "That's the sad part of it."