Governor Gregoire’s statement following Connecticut school shooting
Dec 14, 2012, 1:19 PM | Updated: 3:18 pm
Gov. Chris Gregoire Friday issued the following statement on the school shooting in Connecticut:
“This is an incredibly dark day for our nation. Words can’t convey the sense of sorrow this tragedy has brought. My heart – and the hearts of all Washingtonians – go out to the people of Newtown today, especially to the families of the victims and the parents of the children.
Today is a day for mourning, but in the days to come I will be listening to all in our community with ideas for how we can prevent such violence.”
The governor has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff as per the president’s proclamation as a mark of respect for the victims.
Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset or close of business on Tuesday, Dece. 18.
A man opened fire inside the Connecticut elementary school where his mother worked Friday, killing 26 people, including 20 children, and forcing students to cower in classrooms and then flee.
The death toll, 26 victims plus the gunman, was confirmed by a police spokesman that said 20 of the victims were children.
Students and staff were among the dead, state police Lt. Paul Vance said in a brief news conference.
