Gov. Brewer orders flags to be lowered in Arizona for Navy Yard shooting
Sep 16, 2013, 6:43 PM | Updated: 7:27 pm
Gov. Jan Brewer on Monday ordered flags at all Arizona government buildings to be lowered through Sept. 20 in light of the mass shooting at the the Navy Yard in Washington.
“With the entire nation in shock and sorrow over today’s heinous mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, I ask that all Arizonans join me in prayer for the victims, their loved ones and everyone affected by this senseless rampage. Let us pray also for the first responders and medics as they tend to the wounded, and for members of law enforcement as they work to piece together this tragedy,” Brewer said in a statement.
The governor’s order coincides with President Barack Obama’s proclamation that flags should be lowered on all public grounds, military posts and overseas U.S. embassies and outposts. Brewer also encouraged Arizona citizens and businesses to participate in the tribute to honor the victims in Washington.
A former Navy reservist, Aaron Alexis, opened fire early Monday at a Navy post just two miles away from the nation’s Capitol. Thirteen people died in the attack, including the assailant, who was gunned down by police.
It was the deadliest shooting rampage at a U.S.-based military installation since Maj. Nidal Hasan killed 13 people and wounded more than 30 others in 2009 at Fort Hood in Texas.
