Gov. Walker issues statement on Florida shooting; orders flags at half-staff

PARKLAND, Fla. -- A former student opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle at a Florida high school Wednesday, killing at least 17 people and sending hundreds of students fleeing into the streets in the nation's deadliest school shooting since a gunman attacked an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.

Governor Scott Walker on Thursday, Feb. 15 issued the below statement:

"My family and I are praying for those in Florida who have been affected by this senseless tragedy especially the faculty, students and their families, and the first responders. To mourn this tragedy, flags in Wisconsin will be lowered to half-staff until Monday, February 19, 2018. Here in Wisconsin we will continue to work with legislators and law enforcement on how to best keep our communities safe. We have already put new funding in the state budget for mental health services in our schools after hearing about concerns from superintendents, principals and teachers at listening sessions across the state. We are also always willing to work with other Governors and the Administration on other ways we can make our state and our country safer."