[School of Rational Thought]

That popcorn may just save the cop.

Throwing the popcorn at the cop could have been the precursor from an attack by the rude moviegoer.

In the movies, sand is often used as well as countless other objects.

[Uncle Chip]

That popcorn may just save the cop.

or not

The timeline here will be interesting --

How long does it take for a retired cop who hasn't pulled his gun in years to pull his weapon, aim and fire???

The patrons describe the popcorn flying almost instantaneous with the gunshot meaning that he may have had the gun out and pointed at the victim before the popcorn flew.

[driftdiver]

“In the movies, sand is often used as well as countless other objects.”

Aliens and time travel exists in movies as well. Has no basis on reality.