# Florida Movie Theater Shooting Leaves One Dead In Altercation Over Texting **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 13, 2014, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717 "2014-01-13T22:44:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/1 "2014-01-13T22:44:25Z")
According to the following news story: > **[UPDATED: Florida Movie Theater Shooting Leaves One Dead In Texting...](https://deadline.com/2014/01/movie-theater-shooting-wesley-chapel-texting-lone-survivor-663684/)** > > 2ND UPDATE, 1:38 PM: Local authorities just holding a news conference about the case. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco just said in response to a reporter’s question: “We do not believe… Two couples were seated in a movie theatre watching the movie “Lone Survivor”. One of the couples was seated behind the other. One of the couple in front was texting and apparently making some noise. This led to a confrontation with the couple seated behind them and the man seated behind them took out a handgun and shot both the man and woman seated in front. The man died. The interesting thing to me was this comment made by someone named Walt Disney’s Ghost: “You know if the texter had a gun he could have defended himself. It’s his fault for not carrying a weapon.” But the texter was seated in front of the shooter. So, presumably, the shooter shot the couple in the back before they could have possibly done anything about it. I think the comment was really stupid and the person who made the comment must have been joking or equally stupid. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/2 "2014-01-13T22:52:06Z")
1. Never read the comments. 2. No. Never. 3. It’s not OK to shoot someone in a movie theater. 4. But if it were OK, texting during the movie would be a justifiable reason. 5. Item #4 was a joke, so get off my ass, people. 6. Seriously, comments: Not even once. ---
**Author:** ![LibrarySpy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@LibrarySpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LibrarySpy)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/3 "2014-01-13T22:56:18Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > 1. Seriously, comments: Not even once. This. Also, he was texting during previews. Not as justifiable a kill as texting during the movie. Mr. Trigger Happy should have shown restraint. …Er, obviously. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/4 "2014-01-13T23:12:33Z")
> [@Lazlo Hapsburg](#): > > I think the comment was really stupid and the person who made the comment must have been joking or equally stupid. And you’re looking for confirmation of that here? ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/5 "2014-01-13T23:20:57Z")
I’m pretty sure our founding fathers didn’t have this in mind when they added the second amendment. To quote a line from “The Hunt for Red October”: \*This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we’ll be lucky to live through it. \* ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/6 "2014-01-13T23:26:34Z")
MsWhatsit nails it in one. Well played. CNN notes the guy had been texting his daughter. Dead guy could have been me–sometimes I do last-minute communication with the kids–except it sounds like he played his part in the deal. It’s not like his phone lit up and some guy started blazing away without further provocation–there was back & forth which is never a good idea especially when you’re, you know, in the wrong. But yeah, still not ok to shoot a guy. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/7 "2014-01-13T23:27:36Z")
The texter is now in that special hell previously reserved for people who talk during movies (and child molesters). ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/8 "2014-01-13T23:35:57Z")
You guys and your guns. Also: [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb7XlUoEKtE) ---
**Author:** ![JacksMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/839c29/32.png) [@JacksMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JacksMom)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2014, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/9 "2014-01-13T23:59:29Z")
I’m no longer shocked when simple disagreements evolve into shootings, but I don’t really understand it. Shoot and it’s over. I can’t imagine getting the same satisfaction from shooting someone that I would get from pounding in their face. I’m not advocating beat downs, just saying that a good fight would release more energy/emotion than a quick shot. Maybe I’m just old school. ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/10 "2014-01-14T00:00:36Z")
Apparently the shooter was a retired police officer. How surprising. :rolleyes: > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I’m pretty sure our founding fathers didn’t have this in mind when they added the second amendment. Aw, don’t blame guns. Blame the culture that thinks it’s okay to use guns to solve every problem. If someone’s talking or texting (wtf, really? texting?) in a theater, either move to a different seat or complain to the manager. If the manager does nothing, shoot him instead. ---
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Alex](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atomic_alex/32/175_2.png) [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/11 "2014-01-14T00:01:38Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I’m pretty sure our founding fathers didn’t have this in mind when they added the second amendment. > > To quote a line from “The Hunt for Red October”: \*This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we’ll be lucky to live through it. \* Thanks for reminding me once again why I come to the straightdope! > [@bucketybuck](#): > > You guys and your guns. > > Also: > [https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player\_embedded&v=gb7XlUoEKtE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gb7XlUoEKtE) Never heard of that movie and I assume its a comedy. At least I hope so because I laughed out loud at that clip. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/12 "2014-01-14T00:06:19Z")
I’m not blaming guns. I’m blaming the mindset that seems to demand we all be armed all the time and we use those arms to solve everything, all under the banner of the second amendment. I have nothing against guns, per se. Collect all you want! Shoot cans off stumps, or go hunting, or keep a small arsenal in your home. But recognize that there’s a huge difference between protecting one’s self/one’s country and overreacting to perceived slights, insults, or offenses. ---
**Author:** ![gracer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@gracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracer)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/13 "2014-01-14T00:07:18Z")
Well now I’m confused: we have cinemas here where you can text a number if someone in the theatre is bothering you and they’ll send someone in. So he he could’ve done that instead, to report the texter, and then shot himself…? ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/14 "2014-01-14T00:16:03Z")
A movie title like that could give people ideas. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/15 "2014-01-14T00:21:44Z")
[They had a warning before the previews! No texting allowed!](http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/13/justice/florida-movie-theater-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t2) Apparently they’d exchange words previously and the cop left the theatre. Then he came back and shot the guy the next time. Florida. StG ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/16 "2014-01-14T00:25:10Z")
I hate having to tell someone off twice. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/17 "2014-01-14T00:26:33Z")
The suspect was arrested wearing tactical pants and was heard telling the texter “You’re done” before firing his gun. ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/18 "2014-01-14T00:27:15Z")
> [@Disposable Hero](#): > > Never heard of that movie and I assume its a comedy. At least I hope so because I laughed out loud at that clip. It is. It’s good. Not _great_, but very good. It doesn’t exactly nail the correct tone for a black comedy but the performances are great- especially Joel Murray, it’s one of his best roles (if not _the_ best). Written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. ETA: [God Bless America](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1912398/?ref_=nv_sr_1) imdb link for anyone who didn’t want to watch the video but still wants to know what we’re talking about. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/19 "2014-01-14T00:46:21Z")
You know, this sort of thing Never happens during ‘August: Osage County’. (Just sayin’) ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717/20 "2014-01-14T00:49:36Z")
I need to make a correction to my OP. Apparently the movie had not yet started so they were not watching the movie. They were presumably watching something that was playing in advance of the movie. Perhaps, “Coming Attractions”? I have no idea what plays before movies since I haven’t been inside a movie theatre for more than 20 years. I can’t stand trying to watch a movie in the company of others. I don’t blame other people for having no consideration for others and talking or texting or doing whatever else they do to ruin the experience for everyone. Instead, I just think the idea of allowing a number of people into a single room to watch a movie is not worth the money. Not worth paying any money. If millions of other people want to do that, it’s their business. But I have no interest in participating. I also have no interest in walking around carrying a handgun. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-movie-theater-shooting-leaves-one-dead-in-altercation-over-texting/678717.md?page=2)