Movie Night Turns Violent: Teens Stab Two Adults After Being Asked to Quiet Down

The shocking incident happened just before midnight at Apple Cinemas, inside the Warwick Mall. According to police, the trouble started inside the theater when a group of teens, ages 14 to 16, were reportedly being disruptive during a showing of “A Minecraft Movie.” Three adult patrons nearby asked them to quiet down. Instead of letting it go, the teens escalated things.

A Simple Request Turns Dangerous

The adults left the theater after the confrontation, but the group of teens wasn’t finished. Authorities say the teens followed the adults into the parking lot, where a fight broke out. Things turned violent fast.

Two of the adults were slashed — one in the arm, the other in the forehead. Warwick Police responded quickly and arrested the four teens at the scene. Thankfully, the victims’ injuries were not life-threatening. One of them was taken to a local hospital for treatment; the other refused medical attention.

Investigators recovered knives believed to have been used in the attack. The teens are now facing a long list of charges, including two counts of felony assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, and disorderly conduct. Since they are minors, their names have not been released. They are currently being held at the Rhode Island Training School and are expected to appear in Family Court.

Shock and Concern in the Community

The news has rattled the local community and sparked larger concerns about youth behavior and safety in public spaces.

“It’s sad that something like this can happen over something so small,” said Mathew Richardson, a Warwick resident who frequents the mall. “You go to the movies to relax. You don’t expect to get attacked for asking someone to be respectful.”

Others echoed similar sentiments online, with some questioning whether young teens should be allowed into theaters for late-night screenings without adult supervision.

“This could’ve been anyone,” one woman wrote on Facebook. “I tell people to be quiet in movies all the time. That could’ve been me or my husband.”

Theater Response Still Pending

So far, Apple Cinemas has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. It’s unclear whether any new security measures will be implemented following the attack.

Some residents are calling for more staff supervision or security patrols during late-night shows, especially on weekends when large groups of teens tend to gather.

What Happens Next?

The investigation is still ongoing, and police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the altercation to come forward.

Meanwhile, the four teenagers remain in custody. Their court appearances could shed more light on what exactly led to the violent outburst — and what consequences they may face.

This incident has also reignited broader conversations about how to handle juvenile crime, where to draw the line between youth freedom and adult accountability, and how community spaces like theaters can be made safer for everyone.

For now, Warwick residents are left shaken, wondering how a night at the movies took such a disturbing turn — and hoping it doesn’t happen again.