9 Investigates

9 Investigates security protocol at Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts

ORLANDO, Fla. — Social media posts depicted a crowd of around 2,700 people outside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Saturday night, after a valve leak set off an alarm in the middle of the Orlando Philharmonic’s performance of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone."

The crowd was outside for about an hour, and when the doors were re-opened, patrons told Channel 9's Karla Ray that their tickets weren't checked and neither were their bags or bodies for weapons.

“It was a lot different. The first time we went in, it was metal detectors. The second time it was nothing like that, security-wise, no security check, anything like that,” Brian Fritz said.

“It was a little bit disconcerting that they had no security checks, whatsoever,” Kate Dienst said.

Dienst traveled to see the show from Jacksonville. She tweeted that she “chose not to return to the show due to lack of security.”

“It just didn't feel right, knowing everything that has gone on in the last couple of years, especially in downtown Orlando,” Dienst said.

By email, a Dr. Phillips Center spokesperson said, “In instances where a full audience has been screened once, our security team (made up of our security colleagues, a uniformed officer in the lobby as well as additional units outside) monitors the crowd throughout the evening.”

“I would think that would be tough, because of where you were at. There were so many different people. It was open to the public, anyone could walk around there,” Fritz said.

A spokesperson for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts said, “We take the safety of our guests seriously and are sorry for the inconvenience of the alarm on Saturday. Guests did get to enjoy the performance in its entirety. Those wishing to speak to a representative can dial 407-839-0119 to speak with Guest Services.”

Karla Ray

Karla Ray, WFTV.com

Karla Ray anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on Saturday and Sundays, and is an investigative reporter for the 9 Investigates unit.