(CNN) — The "Joker" hit movie theaters this week despite a wave of criticism that it glorifies a killer and could encourage copycat attacks nationwide.
VOTE: Should all theaters showing 'The Joker' have extra security on hand?
The movie featuring Joaquin Phoenix is about a marginalized clown that goes on a killing rampage. The story's told in a manner that seeks to evoke empathy without rooting for him, says CNN's Brian Lowry.
Heightened concern about the movie's premiere grew because ofthe 2012 mass shooting at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater on the opening night of "The Dark Knight Rises" -- another Batman movie. That attack left 12 people dead and dozens wounded at a midnight showing
In a joint bulletin, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security warned law enforcement after online threats called for mass shootings at movie showings. The bulletin shared with police this week said while federal authorities had no information leading to specific or credible threats to particular venues, they had received tips of threats posted on social media since at least May.
In response, major cities beefed up security for the movie's opening night. The Los Angeles Police Department said it'd maintain a high presence at theaters and urged moviegoers to be vigilant and report anything unusual. Sometheaterseven banned costumes at the "Joker" premiere.
