June 12, 2016
Governor Tom Wolf issued an order on Sunday to honor the victims of the Orlando shooting at a gay nightclub.
All United States and Pennsylvania flags will be lowered to half-staff at all public property throughout the state.
President Barack Obama decried the shooting as an 'act of terror' and signed a proclamation earlier in the day to do the same with flags on federal property.
The gunman in the attack was identified as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Florida. The incident killed 50 people and injured 53 more, making it the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
Suspect identified as Omar Mateen, 29. An American citizen born in New York. @FBI first became aware of him in 2013 pic.twitter.com/gt18lhTM4G
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday.
Read Governor Wolf's statement in full:
“Frances and I join with all Pennsylvanians in mourning the senseless deaths of at least 50 people in Orlando. This is a national tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and all Floridians.
“My administration, including the Pennsylvania State Police and Office of Homeland Security, is monitoring the situation and will respond swiftly to any threats to Pennsylvania. The state police will offer assistance to state and local law enforcement officials in Florida, and we stand ready to help if necessary.
“Public safety remains the top priority of my administration. We must unite and work together to prevent these horrific acts of violence that are far too frequent in communities and places where residents should feel safe.”
