I go to the movies. I carry a cell phone (like a gazillion other people) and I send/received texts (just like a gazillion other people). I've had folks in worship services that had their phones ring, etc., and some folks who have been sending/receiving texts during service. It's not the end of the world. I do routinely insist that cell phones be cut off prior to weddings and funerals. If someone can't abide by that requirement, they are invited to leave the worship space. That's about the only place I can think of where using a cell phone is truly out of line. A movie theater is not sacred. When I go to the movies, things sometime happen that I don't like... maybe someone laughing or talking or a soft-drink getting spilled, etc. It certainly doesn't merit explosive anger much less murder and attempted murder. It would seem to be reasonable if someone really found texting, etc. so objectionable they would contact the management and register their complaint.
man shot for texting in movie theater
- Thread starter THEWELSHM
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Retired Police Captain.
Movie theaters are one activity that always elicits a "Are you carrying tonight?" question from Mrs. B, as there have been more than a few violent incidents in and around theaters here.
No way I'm going to go after a texter, but there are a lot of crazy people out there, and movies seem to bring out bad side for some reason. Maybe it's the accepted violence that's so prevalent in movies these days. (Gawd, I'm sounding old now.) Kinda like playing wannabe F1 driver on the way home after seeing a racing movie.
No way I'm going to go after a texter, but there are a lot of crazy people out there, and movies seem to bring out bad side for some reason. Maybe it's the accepted violence that's so prevalent in movies these days. (Gawd, I'm sounding old now.) Kinda like playing wannabe F1 driver on the way home after seeing a racing movie.
gregintenn
Member
If you'll pay attention to the movie screen instead of your phone, there will be a nice lady who asks you to TURN OFF your phone before the movie starts. Are manners not taught any more? I'm not old, but I'm beginning to feel more and more like my grandfather.
It isn't a shooting offense by any means, but for goodness sake, have some respect for those around you.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Your first paragraph is a possibility, though people like that seldom go to movies unaccompanied. Especially if they have reached the stage of "disproportionate violence".
Your second, no offense intended, is quite a stretch and the "boil" image bothers me.
The guy killed a man over texting. If he is not competent to stand trial or so despondent he didn't know what he was doing, it's the court's job to rule on that.
And to whoever asked if we haven't all wanted to do it at some point, here's one grumpy 76-year-old who never has. Guess I've seen too much of the tragedy that can follow.
doublesharp
Member
This is the guy that was shot.
labworm
US Veteran
What a sin.
You know the problem we have in this country, we always seem to come up with excuses regarding our stupidity and it just goes on and on.
Ending a mans life for what?
You know the problem we have in this country, we always seem to come up with excuses regarding our stupidity and it just goes on and on.
Ending a mans life for what?
Exactly. This has nothing to do with texting. It has to do with taking the law into your own hands and making a fool of yourself.
I don't go to movies and I probably would not text during one. But if I had to respond to a text, I would step into the lobby.
And for those who don't text and don't know anything about it, most phones can be muted so incoming messages are not disturbing. And just because you don't text means that it's wrong. Texting is an advantageous tool when used correctly.
How about if I said that ALL OLD CURMUDGEON DRIVERS THAT DRIVE 10 MILES UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT SHOULD BE SHOT FOR SLOWING ME DOWN!
Not much difference is there?
jlrhiner
US Veteran
Is that the daughter he was texting?
So...a 71 year old retired Police captain suddenly goes nuts and shoots this guy? It's possible he carried a firearm for over 50 years.
Sorry, don't buy it. Let's wait and see what happened after all the evidence is available.
So...a 71 year old retired Police captain suddenly goes nuts and shoots this guy? It's possible he carried a firearm for over 50 years.
Sorry, don't buy it. Let's wait and see what happened after all the evidence is available.
OP
THEWELSHM
Member
I posted this as I was sad all around, a couple of things should in my opinion happened here. 1 phone left in truck, 2 If retired officer was so pissed ask for a rain check. Trust me there will be a lawyer that will defend this former officer with " hes a victim of ptsd or the city need to pay yadayada whatever. I think this is a sad day for ccd? Over popcorn and texting? this guy is going to the big house for grumpy bad judgment.
thewelshm
thewelshm
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Almost, and it is really annoying, especially if they haven't muted the sound effects which those sorts of people generally never do.
Rastoff
US Veteran
I agree. I was simply giving a reason for why a person might want to leave their phone on and answer a text.Why bother the rest of the people that PAID FOR A TICKET with your problem?
For the record, my phone is always on vibrate. You'd never hear my phone. If I were to answer a text, I'd probably be leaving anyway because it would be something that needs my attention.
Even with all that, would it really bother you if someone answered a text before the movie starts? I like seeing movies on the big screen and I've seen hundreds of them. In all that time, I've told plenty of people to shut up, but I'm willing to let them get it out of their system as long as they don't do it during the movie.
As to the guy that got shot, we don't know how it escalated. Maybe the old man asked him politely to put his phone away and he told the old man to blow it out his ear. Maybe he told the old man if he didn't leave him alone he'd kill him. There's always more to the story than the papers report.
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Straightshooter2
US Veteran
Of course shooting someone for texting is ridiculous. Now, that being said, some people are absolutely addicted to their cell phone and literally cannot take their face out of it. I believe I posted about this before. My wife walks with a cane due to issues with her back and nerve damage to one leg. Leaving the Atlanta Symphony/Celtic Woman concert back in December in the middle of hundreds of people a woman was so intent on her phone she ran into my wife three times almost knocking her down. My wife finally told the woman since she couldn't take her face out of her phone long enough to walk, to "please go in front of me so I don't end up on the floor." Someone mentioned that phones can be muted but the problem is people don't do it. They have to be alerted by a ding or some similar noise to every Facebook post, Tweet, incoming text message or whatever else they get on those smart phones.
What this entire thing boils down to is just a sad commentary about today's society. I think Alvin Toffler had it pretty much nailed.
CW
What this entire thing boils down to is just a sad commentary about today's society. I think Alvin Toffler had it pretty much nailed.
CW
4506517
Member
Wow....wow.
Sad. Last time I checked, texting was silent.
Not surprised at the shooter. As a law enforcement officer I see WAY too many guys that think active or retired, it is justification to do whatever they want whenever they want to whomever they want. I can't stand guys like that. When you have that kind of attitude it is impossible to hold yourself to a higher standard and truly be a professional.
Heated words and/or thrown popcorn do not make for a justifiable shooting.
I hope he dies in jail.
Sad. Last time I checked, texting was silent.
Not surprised at the shooter. As a law enforcement officer I see WAY too many guys that think active or retired, it is justification to do whatever they want whenever they want to whomever they want. I can't stand guys like that. When you have that kind of attitude it is impossible to hold yourself to a higher standard and truly be a professional.
Heated words and/or thrown popcorn do not make for a justifiable shooting.
I hope he dies in jail.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
This is the most bizarre thing I have read in a long time. One small thing I dont quite get is how can you text a 3 year old baby? Can a three year old read? The old bull had to be off his rocker. With the background he had normally he should have been about the last person in the country to react like that. The only thing I can think of is he probley was used to bullying his position for 50 years that when a 6 ft 5" guy pushed back he wouldn't and couldn't take it. I dont believe we should be looking for possible alibi`s for this XXX, would we if he was any type meth head or life long thug that just got out of prison?
I have a nephew that once took a cell phone away from a guy in a movie theater and threw it across the theater. Fortunately for him he's big enough to get away with doing something like that.
I've wanted to do that a time or two but at 5'5" and 150 lbs and old I'd prolly have to shoot the guy too just to keep from gettin' beat to a pulp.
I've wanted to do that a time or two but at 5'5" and 150 lbs and old I'd prolly have to shoot the guy too just to keep from gettin' beat to a pulp.
Your nephew is very lucky, size really doesn't matter if you know what you're doing. Cell phone use is really not worth a confrontation let alone the loss of life.
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I couldn't agree more but this young fella is 22 years old and some what of a hot head. But he's no stranger to confrontation. One day he might make THE mistake but we are all hoping he will grow up in time to be able to grow OLD.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Now this is something I've wanted to do as well though, not in a theater. Even so, fortunately for me, I've maintained my cool. Your nephew is fortunate he's not in jail over that. It's a clear case of assault and battery.
Philadelphia Patriot
Member
I'll text in a theater until the lights go off and the previews begin. Then my phone stays in my pocket until the credits are rolling and I exit the theater. I enjoy doing dinner and going to the movies (I go when it is dead and I see movies that I know no immature people will go to see) with my girlfriend. I rather get a good meal and see a movie than go to the bar. Anyways, I don't care if you think you're a cell phone ninja, WE CAN SEE YOUR PHONE DURING THE MOVIES AND IT IS VERY ANNOYING!!! I don't condone violence in movie theaters, but if a person refuses to comply to your request to put the phone away, then go complain to the manager. This isn't rocket science, people. Also you cell phone ninjas need some manners.
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