Massachusetts man accused of shooting threat at ‘Wicked’ screening

A Massachusetts man who was arrested after allegedly threatening to shoot up a screening of “Wicked” remains in custody Tuesday following a dangerousness hearing.
Ryan Muldoon, 34, is accused of threatening moviegoers at an AMC Theater at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers around 3 p.m. on Sunday.
According to several witnesses inside the theater, Muldoon allegedly said he was “going to shoot all of you in the head” as previews played before the movie-musical started, according to the NBC Boston.
Two women who heard the statement reported Muldoon to a theater employee, who then called police. Upon arriving, officers told an employee to stop the movie and turn on the lights, at which point they put Muldoon in handcuffs and took him outside.
Muldoon allegedly denied making the threats and told the officer the women “were hitting on him.” When he started causing a scene and drawing a crowd, he was placed under arrested and booked at the Danvers Police Department.
During a court appearance on Monday, a defense attorney for Muldoon called the incident a misunderstanding, saying his client was wearing headphones and listening to music. He said Muldoon may have been “singing the lyrics of a rap song” but did not threaten moviegoers with a gun.
The attorney said Muldoon was unarmed and pointed to the police report, which said no weapon had been found on him.
At a hearing on Tuesday to determine Muldoon’s dangerousness, the defense argued that no one else reported hearing the alleged threats. However, prosecutors brought up a history of violent behavior, including at least one stabbing, NBC Boston reported.
A judge determined Muldoon was a danger to the public and ordered him to be held without bail until his next hearing on Dec. 20.
Muldoon has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, threats to commit a crime and disturbing the peace.