Some of Vermont's leading elected officials offered their thoughts on the shootings at an elementary school in Connecticut on Friday. President Obama has also ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff through Tuesday.
Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),
On The Tragedy In Connecticut
December 14, 2012
Few events in my lifetime have emotionally roiled the Nation all of us as deeply as have the senseless killings last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut. Wrenching images and personal stories that spilled out from that tragedy have forever been imprinted on our collective memories.
In my family, and I know in families from coast to coast, parents called their children. Brothers called sisters. Neighbors reached out to neighbors. Over the weekend and again today, in discussions across church pews, on the sidewalk, in the grocery line, at the worksite and in our offices, we all have struggled for words to describe our feelings of shock and immeasurable sadness.
Last night President Obama gave voice our voice to let these stricken families know how deeply we want to help relieve their suffering, as we share, through the small ways we can, in their grief.
Many questions about this unspeakable tragedy have yet to be answered.
As the President has pointed out, it is unlikely that any single step, or package of steps, can erase the chance of such a tragedy happening again. We know that sometimes things happen that are beyond understanding. We also know that situations vary widely from state to state and from community to community. But we must take on the responsibility of searching for answers.
Congress can and should be part of this national discussion and search for answers. The Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing early in the next congressional session to help in the search for understanding and answers. I expect that other committees will also take part in this national discussion.
If there are practical, sensible, workable answers to prevent such unspeakable tragedy, we should make the effort to find them.
Governor Peter Shumlin issued the following statement following the shooting in Newtown, CT:
I was shocked and sickened to hear about this morning's tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. My office has spoken with Vermont State Police and the Vermont Principals Association, who report that principals and staff are especially vigilant in the aftermath of this morning's tragedy. Parents and students should know that nearly all Vermont schools have emergency plans and security in place. Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca has also asked all schools to review their safety plans to ensure they are current. As a parent, I am heartbroken by this tragedy, and my heart and thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims in Connecticut.
Burlignton Mayor Miro Weinberger statement following the school shooting in Newtown, CT:
I am saddened and appalled by todays horrible shooting. My heart goes out to the victims and their families in Newtown, CT. Here in Burlington, the School District has posted on its website www.bsdvt.org helpful guidance for parents and students about how to address such a tragedy. The District also will be holding a meeting on Monday to review school safety protocols. As a parent of an elementary school student, I am deeply moved by this tragedy and wish the people of Newtown strength for the difficult time ahead.
Senator Sanders Statement on School Shootings
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) issued the following statement today after a gunman killed 26 people, 20 of them children, at a grade school in Newtown, CT:
Today the people of Newtown, Conn., and all of America experienced a terrible tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and their loved ones. As a nation, we must do all that we can to figure out how tragedies like this do not continue to occur.
Flags Lowered to Half Staff
Per Federal Code P.L. 94-344 and Presidential Order
Where the flags will be lowered:
The Vermont State House, all Federal and State Facilities around the state and public buildings and grounds around the state.
Which flags will be lowered:
The U.S flag, Vermont State flag, POW flags, and any other flags **
Date the flags are to be lowered:
Immediately, Friday, December 14, 2012
Date the flags are to return to full staff:
Sunset, Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Reason to lower flag(s):
As a mark of respect for the victims of Fridays tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, President Obama has directed that flags be flown at half-staff effective immediately and ending at sunset on Tuesday, December 18, 2012.
Please note all flags must fly at half-staff for that period of time.
Rule: When the US flag is lowered, the Vermont flag, the POW flag, and any other flag must also be lowered, because the US flag must always fly above or equal to any other flags that are flown.