Delaware News

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Finding Hope in the Wake of Tragedies

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Date Posted: Friday, February 15, 2013




Once more, senseless violence resulting in the loss of lives has found its way into the headlines. This time, it happened in our own backyard.

Monday’s shooting at the New Castle County Courthouse was a tragedy. And as the criminal investigation continues, questions are also being raised regarding a variety of aspects related to this case – from domestic violence, courthouse security, and gun safety.  Those issues will all receive attention in the next few weeks. Working with the necessary agencies and advocates and reviewing best practices around the country, we will continue to find ways to keep our friends, families and neighbors safer. But as we review what happened and how we can do better, it’s also important that we recognize the good.

In the midst of gunfire and chaos on Monday, Capitol Police officers used their instincts and training to quickly respond. Their actions that day saved lives.  The officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and two of them were injured doing so.  And just yesterday, when the Courthouse reopened, a group of caring people gathered outside to offer free coffee and hugs to those who wanted them.

We know that laws, policies and procedures are developed and enacted to protect us – to provide a greater sense of safety and security. But we also know there are people in this world intent on causing harm. When we are confronted by this evil, there is hope in knowing that heroes exist –they walk among us and protect us.  There is hope in knowing our neighbors care for us, whether accompanying a friend with a court hearing or offering solace and friendship in the wake of a loss.  In the end, goodness prevails.  Whether forced to come together in a moment of tragedy, or inspired to come together in the days that follow, it is that sense of hope, more than any law or policy, that keeps Delaware moving forward.

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Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Finding Hope in the Wake of Tragedies

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Date Posted: Friday, February 15, 2013




Once more, senseless violence resulting in the loss of lives has found its way into the headlines. This time, it happened in our own backyard.

Monday’s shooting at the New Castle County Courthouse was a tragedy. And as the criminal investigation continues, questions are also being raised regarding a variety of aspects related to this case – from domestic violence, courthouse security, and gun safety.  Those issues will all receive attention in the next few weeks. Working with the necessary agencies and advocates and reviewing best practices around the country, we will continue to find ways to keep our friends, families and neighbors safer. But as we review what happened and how we can do better, it’s also important that we recognize the good.

In the midst of gunfire and chaos on Monday, Capitol Police officers used their instincts and training to quickly respond. Their actions that day saved lives.  The officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and two of them were injured doing so.  And just yesterday, when the Courthouse reopened, a group of caring people gathered outside to offer free coffee and hugs to those who wanted them.

We know that laws, policies and procedures are developed and enacted to protect us – to provide a greater sense of safety and security. But we also know there are people in this world intent on causing harm. When we are confronted by this evil, there is hope in knowing that heroes exist –they walk among us and protect us.  There is hope in knowing our neighbors care for us, whether accompanying a friend with a court hearing or offering solace and friendship in the wake of a loss.  In the end, goodness prevails.  Whether forced to come together in a moment of tragedy, or inspired to come together in the days that follow, it is that sense of hope, more than any law or policy, that keeps Delaware moving forward.

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.