Governor Markell is asking Delawareans to join with the residents of Connecticut in observing a moment of silence on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

“The people of Delaware have grieved and prayed for the people of Newtown, Conn. We have been joined in that grief by those from around the country and around the world. Governor Malloy of Connecticut has declared a day of mourning on Friday, December 21, and has asked his fellow governors to observe a moment of silence as well. So I request that Delawareans join the moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. on Friday to reflect and remember the lives that were lost so heartbreakingly, and to consider what we can do as individuals, as communities, as a state and as a country  to prevent future tragedies. I also suggest that churches or other institutions with the ability to do so toll 26 chimes in memory of the victims.”

Connecticut Gov. Malloy’s proclamation: http://governor.delaware.gov/docs/20121221dayofmourning.pdf

Governor Jack Markell issued this statement in response to today’s tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this unbelievable act of violence,” said Governor Markell. “I echo the sentiments of President Obama – as a country, we have been through this too many times. We offer our compassion and condolences to the community of Newtown, Connecticut, as we all struggle to process what has happened today and how we move forward to a place of peace.”

In concurrence with the President’s order and as an expression of Delaware’s sympathy for the people affected by the tragedy in Connecticut, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities also be flown at half-staff until the end of the day on December 18.