Several survivors remarked on their confusion as the attack unfolded at seeing a masked figure silhouetted in a gaseous haze and the sounds of real gunshots mingling with the film soundtrack.

AMC Theatres, the nation’s second largest chain, said it will not allow people to wear costumes or masks in its facilities.

The 26-year-old man planned to use remote-controlled planes packed with explosives to blow up the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol.