The mass shooting at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater has left 12 people dead and 58 others wounded.
"My prayers go out to the families that lost people," said Jada Bynum of Myrtle Beach. "It's a scary thought."
And while the tragic events during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" has affected people on the Grand Strand, it hasn't stopped movie goers from purchasing tickets.
"That was just a one time thing," said Maryland tourist Mark Malloy.
Malloy felt safe enough at the Market Common Grand 14 Cinema that he bought tickets for his kids.
"This happens everywhere," said Malloy. "I wouldn't say just stop going to the movies just because this happens or seeing Batman. No."
"It's a movie," said Conway resident Tony Gilliam. He and his son went to watch the movie on Friday at Frank Theaters in Conway.
"We can't live in fear because one person or two people or even a group of terrorists as a whole has something against us. Nobody would ever leave the house," said Gilliam. "That would be crazy."
Box offices are banking on "The Dark Knight Rises" to be a blockbuster, and some believe curiosity might bring in more people than fear scares away.
"It may be a little bit of both," said Myrtle Beach resident Julio Navarro. "It will scare some away, but some people are going to see why it could have possibly led to that or why they would choose that movie."
"I think it will draw other people," said Bynum.
Either way, the end of the "Dark Knight" trilogy may be a forever linked to a tragedy.
"I just hope it doesn't get stuck with it, but there's probably always going to be that stigma there," said Navarro.
When asked about if they plan to bump up security at the Market Common theater, the manager said at this time they do not plan to add any additional security officers.
