Staff Reports
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday ordered flags at half-staff “in honor and remembrance of the victims of the act of violence committed in Sebring.”
DeSantis directed the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff immediately and remain there till sunset on Feb. 1.
A solitary 21-year-old gunman shot and killed five women in a SunTrust bank in Sebring, Highlands County, on Wednesday. His motive is still unclear.
Three of the slain were identified: bank customer Cynthia Watson, 65, and bank employees Marisol Lopez, 55, and Ana Pinon Willliams, 38 and a mother of seven.
“This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Casey and I extend our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“The people of Florida stand with the community of Sebring. In light of this tragic circumstance, I’ve directed FDLE (the Florida Department of Law Enforcement) to provide the necessary resources at the state level to assist with the ongoing investigation. This is an individual that needs to face very swift and exacting justice.”
“I want to thank both the Sebring Police Department and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for their response and continued efforts during this tragedy.”
