You won’t be able to bring your big anime sword into Phoenix Comicon this year. Ditto for your M4A Pulse Rifle, Legend of Zelda shield, Mass Effect M-3 Predator pistol, or certain other props and weapons for that matter.
That’s because faux weapons officially have been banned from the event following Thursday’s arrest of an armed man inside the Phoenix Convention Center, the site of the four-day pop culture event.
Comicon organizers and Phoenix Police Department officials have also announced they will increase security measures at the convention center due to the arrest. Both changes will be implemented on Friday.
In a press release sent out on Thursday, convention director Matt Solberg cited safety concerns as the reason for the ban and security changes.
“In light of recent events, Phoenix Comicon, in cooperation with the Phoenix Convention Center and the Phoenix Police Department, will be implementing enhanced screening to ensure the safety of all our attendees,” Solberg stated.
Comicon organizers, police officials, and convention center management originally issued a blanket ban on all cosplay props, but softened their stance of Friday and permitted certain items such as helmets into the event.
More:
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/phoenix-comicon-prop-weapon-ban-gunman-arrest-security-9361864
