Safety threats at Tacoma, WA movie theater causes sweeping cancellations
Grand Cinema cancels Sunday showings after shooting threat
The Grand Cinema in Tacoma canceled all Sunday showings out of an abundance of caution after Tacoma police say a caller threatened to bomb or shoot the theater on Saturday night.
TACOMA, WA - There will be no movies playing at a historic Tacoma theater on Father's Day Sunday following reports of ongoing threats to safety coming in to law enforcement agencies. Police cars will be doing patrols in the area today to monitor conditions.
The Grand Cinema has canceled all shows on June 21 as the theater employees work with the Tacoma Police Department to address safety concerns. Staff members say they are also working on issuing refunds for everyone who bought tickets for showings on Sunday already.
Officers say a call to bomb or shoot up the theater came late Saturday night, and the owners of the theater are now exercising increased caution while law enforcement investigates the threats.
"I’m heartbroken because grand cinema has been a place for all of the Tacoma people to get together and watch their favorite movies," Janette Oleary, has lived in Tacoma for 27 years said.
"I’m heartbroken to hear it and I hope that this will stop," she said.
In a statement to the public, the theater asks for patience while apologizing for the interruption to their customer's holiday plans. Initial police sweeps cleared the building of immediate threats, according to TPD.
Grand Cinema in Tacoma, WA (Source: Karina G. on Yelp)
What they're saying:
"We prioritize the safety of our patrons, volunteers and staff and feel it’s necessary to stay closed for today. We are very sorry to disrupt your choice to see a film with us, but we hope you’ll understand. Please be patient while the team starts issuing refunds," a representative for the theater said, in part, on Sunday.
"I’m really shocked, the grand is kind of a staple In Tacoma and to hear there is any kind of threat or act of violence towards the staff who create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for Tacoma, I’m just taken back," Vi Whitmarsh, who is from Tacoma said.
What's next:
Anyone who does not receive a refund by the end of day was asked to reach out to the theater by email at info@grandcinema.com.
(FOX 13 Seattle)
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Safety threats at Tacoma movie theater causes sweeping cancellations
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The Source: Information in this story came from the Director of Operations for the Grand Cinema in a Facebook post to the public on June 21, 2026.