Staff Reports
Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed flags at half staff “in honor and remembrance of the victims of the senseless acts of violence in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio” this weekend.
“Two mass shootings at crowded public places in Texas and Ohio claimed at least 29 lives in less than 24 hours and left scores of people wounded, a shocking carnage even in a country accustomed to gun violence,” the Associated Press reported Sunday.
“In the Texas border city of El Paso, a gunman opened fire Saturday morning in a shopping area packed with thousands of people during the busy back-to-school season. The attack killed 20 and wounded more than two dozen, many of them critically.
“Hours later in Dayton, Ohio, a gunman wearing body armor and carrying extra magazines opened fire in a popular nightlife area, killing nine and injuring at least 26 people. The suspected shooter was shot to death by responding officers,” the AP said.
The U.S. and state flags will “be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the state,” DeSantis said in a statement.
“The flags shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff until the expiration of President Donald J. Trump’s national directive, at sunset on Thursday, Aug. 8,” he added.
“As our nation mourns the tragic and senseless loss of life in El Paso and Dayton, we reaffirm that these acts of violence are not representative of who we are as a nation.
“Florida stands committed to do all that is necessary to support law enforcement efforts for the safety and security of our residents and visitors. May we pray for those who grieve and remember always that we are a resilient nation.”
The latest attacks came less than one week after a 19-year-old man shot and killed three people – including a 6-year-old and a 13-year-old – and injured 13 others at the Gilroy, California Garlic Festival. The gunman later shot and killed himself.
