Man shot in Wesley Chapel movie theatre after row over loud texting

A MOVIE-GOER was shot dead following an apparent row over loud texting.

Police said two people were shot at Florida's Wesley Chapel movie theatre after an argument over a man texting his three-year-old daughter grew violent.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office told Tampa Bay's 10news two couples were sitting in front of each other and were getting ready to watch Lone Survivor when the argument broke out.

Sheriff Chris Nocco said the alleged killer then took out a gun and shot the man and woman sitting in front of him.

Both were taken to hospital where the man was pronounced dead and the woman was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

It is understood both couples did not know each other and police are treating the shooting as an isolated incident.

Witness Charles Cummings told FOX 13 he heard the victim say he was texting his daughter before he was shot.

"Their voices start going up, there seems to be a confrontation, somebody throws popco, then bang, he was shot," Mr Cummings said.

"I heard the victim say, 'I can't believe ...,' then he fell on us."

"I asked if the guy was OK, and he started gurgling blood and then fell."

The shooter was taken into police custody and is expected to face charges.