Utah governor orders flags lowered for mass shooting victims
Aug 5, 2019, 11:40 AM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Gov. Gary Herbert is ordering all U.S. and Utah flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the weekend’s two mass shootings.
Herbert’s office announced Monday morning that the flag lowering in memory of the victims of shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, will take effect immediately.
In a statement, Herbert says Utah residents grieve alongside those who lost loved ones in “these senseless and vile shootings.”
My heart is heavy today at the news coming out of El Paso, Texas. This shooting is a tragedy beyond belief, and I send my deepest sympathies to @GovAbbott, the wounded, the families that lost loved ones today, and all the good people of Texas.
— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) August 3, 2019
It’s devastating to wake up to news of another shooting – this one in Dayton, Ohio. Our hearts are with the people of Ohio and all affected by this senseless and sickening violence.
— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) August 4, 2019
Flags at state buildings and public grounds will stay lowered from sunrise until sunset through Thursday.
Individuals and businesses are also encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff.
The two shootings killed 29 people total and left dozens wounded.