Bad news for Phoenix Comicon cosplayers: Your costume will have to work without any props.

After the arrest of an armed man at the event, Phoenix Comicon organizers on Thursday evening outlawed all props, including foam and cardboard props as well as shields and lightsabers starting on Friday.

Phoenix Comicon posted a message on their Facebook page Friday morning clarifying the new policy, which prohibits “Weapons of all types including Simulated Weapons. Examples of prohibited weapons and simulated (Prop weapons) weapons include: 

• Edged weapons (swords, knifes, throwing stars etc.)
• Impact weapons (clubs, bats, staffs, nunchaku, shields, hammers and martial arts weapons) 
• Firearms
• Archery weapons (cross bows and bolts, bows and arrows of all types)
• Weapons from fictional sources (Light sabers, plasma weapons, laser, phasers etc.)”

The original expanded ban was announced on the Phoenix Comicon Facebook page about 7 p.m. Thursday, with news that ticketholders could request a refund by emailing [email protected]. 

Convention-goers were upset with the prop ban, with some commenters on the Facebook post discussing the amount of time and energy they put into making their props and some asking for refunds. 

On Friday morning at 9:30 a.m., a long line was already formed at the entrance on Third and Monroe streets. Multiple signs surrounding the event were posted reading “‘No prop weapons,” and police officers and security roamed the area, making sure convention goers take their props back to their hotels or cars.

When convention goers neared the entrance, they were separated into multiple lines. Security officials dug through bags and ran wand metal detectors over every person. 

Dede Sakurai of Mesa, was dressed in a Harry Potter costume. She said she had to leave her wand at home, and originally was going to go as a Star Wars character, but changed her mind because she wouldn’t be able to bring her lightsaber.

“I think they’ve gone a little overboard with the ban,” she said. “I understand fake weapons, but not all props.”

Lee Anzalone of Phoenix waited in line on Friday morning, dressed as Boba Fett from Star Wars. He said he had to leave multiple prop guns at home.

“I think the ban is a bit heavy-handed, but I understand it though,” he said. “But what will happen to Comicon now?” – Lee Anzalone

He pointed to a young girl in line dressed as Rey from “Star Wars.”

“Look at Rey, she doesn’t have her lightsaber,” he said. 

Steve MacNeil of Glendale was checked thoroughly by security, wearing tactical gear as a character from the S.T.A.R.S division from “Resident Evil.” He left his prop gun in his car in one of the convention garages.

“I think the prop ban is a bad idea, I mean, look at everybody, you can tell if a weapon is real or not,” he said. 

Vanessa Havens attended the convention with a group of friends on Thursday.

Havens and her friends were carrying blue light sabers at the convention, and Havens said she thinks the prop ban, which will prevent them from taking the light sabers on Friday, might go a little too far. 

“I think it’s a little unfair for people who actually put time and effort into making their props,” she said.

Havens said she does understand that Phoenix Comicon and police want to make sure that everyone stays safe, but questioned why someone would bring real weapons to Comicon in the first place.

“I don’t know what kind of person thinks, ‘Hey, let me bring a real gun,’ ” she said. “That’s not what Con is about.”

Havens said she hopes that the prop ban isn’t reinstated at future Comicons. 

Police advised those attending that they should expect delays in getting into the event starting Friday because of added security screenings and a decrease in entry points into the venue. 

There will be three access points for entrance into the Phoenix Convention Center for those who have a valid badge: 

• The West Building entrance at Second Street between Washington and Monroe streets.
• Third and Washington streets.
• Third and Monroe streets.

Those needing to collect their badge from registration only will be able to do so at the entrance at Third and Monroe streets. 

In the past, Phoenix Comicon has allowed prop weapons into the venue as long as they were screened by police or event security, and did not present a danger to others.

Vendors selling prop weapons will be allowed to continue selling them as long as the props are sealed. The vendors are also required to tell buyers that the weapons have to remain sealed until they leave the Convention Center. 

Phoenix Comicon’s prop policy before Thursday’s incident was similar to that of San Diego Comicon, which bans all functional props and weapons.

San Diego Comicon requires all prop weapons to be inspected and all prop swords to be tied to the wearer’s costume in a way that would prevent them from being drawn.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether upcoming Comicons would ban all props in light of the Thursday incident.

Includes information from Republic reporter Josiah Destin.

READ MORE: 

Man with 4 guns, knife arrested at Phoenix Comicon

Phoenix Comicon 2017: Coolest, craziest things happening on the scene

10 best events for adults at Phoenix Comicon 2017

Phoenix Comicon visitors’ guide: Tips and tricks

Funniest things we overheard at Phoenix Comicon 2017

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