Army: 'No specific, credible threat' that attacker may be targeting 'Joker' movie release

An internal Army memo that vaguely warns of a possible mass shooting threat for next week's release of the "Joker" movie has touched off public concern, but Army officials say no credible information has been received.

No specific theater has been targeted, a document prepared by a U.S. Army base says. An intelligence report on "disturbing" online chatter prompted army officials in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to warn commanders about a potential threat.

The memo, dated Monday, sparked confusion as it circulated on social media.

Christopher Grey, chief of public affairs for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, said officials are “not aware of any information indicating a specific, credible threat to a particular location or venue.”

Open letter: Families of Aurora shooting victims pen letter expressing concerns about 'Joker' movie

Joaquin Phoenix puts his take on the iconic supervillain in
Joaquin Phoenix puts his take on the iconic supervillain in

The Texas Department of Safety collected the information on a shooting threat from social media, Grey said.

While investigations continue, Fort Sill officials urged service members to be cautious at "Joker" screenings on Oct. 4, according to the memo.

"Commanders need to be aware of this threat for Soldier and family safety and to increase situational awareness should they choose to attend the release of this movie at a local theater," Criminal Intelligence Analyst Stephen Gontz wrote in the memo.

Officials send similar memos as a precautionary measure, the Army told Gizmodo.

“We do this routinely because the safety and security of our workforce is paramount,” an Army spokesperson told the outlet. “We want our workforce to be prepared and diligent on personal safety both inside the workplace and out.”

During a screening of “The Dark Knight Rises" in July 2012, 12 people were killed and 70 were injured in a shooting in an Aurora, Colorado, theater.

Family members of those victims sent a letter to Warner Bros. this week, expressing concerns about the new "Joker" movie. They asked the studio to stop giving political contributions to candidates "who take money from the NRA and vote against gun reform."

Following the "Dark Knight Rises" massacre, Warner Bros. donated $2 million to the victims and their survivors.

Contributing: The Associated Press; Andrea Mandell and Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Joker' shooting threat sparks alarm; Army names no specific theater