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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

Flags to half-staff for Connecticut victims

OLYMPIA -- As state leaders weigh in with shock, sadness and support for the families of the Connecticut shooting victims, Gov. Chris Gregoire ordered state flags lowered to half-staff through Tuesday.

Gregoire called the shootings in Newtown, Conn., "incomprehensible" adding "all Washingtonians stand with me in expressing our profound sorrow and grief."

Governor-elect Jay Inslee called it "an incredibly dark day for our nation" and a day of mourning. "But in the days to come I will be listening to all in our community with ideas for how we can prevent such violence."

Spokane Mayor David Condon described the community as "heartbroken" but said the city and school district have a commitment to student safety. "The City of Spokane and Spokane Public Schools work closely together in many ways to help ensure that our kids are safe at school and within our community."

Sen. Ed Murray of Seattle, the Senate Democratic leader, called it a "horrendous, senseless shooting" but the kind of violent action that is becoming too frequent. "I believe we are long overdue to have the politically difficult discussion of how we prevent them."



The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.