Flags At Half-Staff After Orlando Nightclub Shooting

Staff Report -- TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mike Pence called the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida at a gay nightclub a “senseless act of terror.”

Pence released a statement Sunday and asked for flags to be flown at half-staff at state facilities to honor the 50 people killed and at least 53 people wounded in the deadliest mass shooting in the United States. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday.

“On behalf of the state of Indiana, [Karen and I] extend our prayers to the victims, their families, and the Orlando community,” Pence said in a statement. “Today’s horrifying news stands as a grave reminder that we live in dangerous times and the war on terror continues.  For this reason we must commit to ensuring the safety and security of our people.”

The governor’s office said Pence has asked the Indiana State Police to offer any assistance to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. According to IMPD, federal partners said there is no threat to Indianapolis, but officers stepped up patrols for Sunday’s Fever game and at the vigil the Old National Center in Indianapolis to honor the shooting victims in Orlando.

The gunman, Omar Mateen, was killed by Orlando Police during a standoff. Multiple news organizations have reported the shooter called 911 and pledged allegiance to ISIS before the attack.

The Muslim Alliance of Indiana released a statement on Facebook Sunday condemning Mateen’s actions.

“Know that we as Muslims, as people, do not condone or tolerate such violence,” the post reads. “The shooter may have identified himself with Islam, but Islam has no room for monsters like him. This is a religion of peace. This is a religion of mercy. Today’s tragedy showed none of that.”

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