Governor orders flags at half-staff for temple shooting victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sundown on Aug. 10, in honor of the victims of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, shootings.

The order follows a proclamation from President Barack Obama ordering the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings to honor the victims.

“Sunday’s attack at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin was an appalling and unnecessary act of violence,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky stands to honor the victims of this assault and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and all others who were affected by this tragedy.” Six people were killed in the shooting.

Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

Police have said the suspect, 40-year-old Army veteran Wade Michael Page, was a member of white supremacist heavy metal bands and posted frequent comments on Internet forums for skinheads.

Man shot while walking near downtown Lexington