Rhode Island lowers flags in honor of lives lost in Lewiston, Maine shootings

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island stood in solidarity with Maine after a mass killing on Wednesday night.

Under a proclamation from President Joe Biden on Thursday, Gov. Dan McKee ordered all American and Rhode Island flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and buildings.

The flags will be at half-staff until sunset on Monday.

The governor also asked Rhode Islanders to lower their flags in honor of the lives lost in Lewiston, Maine.

“We are sickened and heartbroken for the victims of yesterday’s horrific mass shooting in Maine,” McKee said.

“These lives were senselessly taken. Susan and I are praying for the safety of everyone in Lewiston and thinking of the families who will be forever changed by this senseless act of gun violence,” he said. “Our nation must come together and do everything we can to end these horrific acts of violence in our communities. Enough is enough.”

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos shared his sentiment as well as a call for an end to gun violence.

“Families at bowling alleys, malls, churches, schools, birthday parties, in their cars or their homes—anywhere, at any time—shouldn’t have to fear that their lives or the lives of their loved ones will be cut short in an instant. We don’t have to live like this,” Matos said.

McKee said he offered the state’s assistance to Maine Gov. Janet Mills.

Mills said as of 11 a.m. Thursday that 18 people were killed and 13 were hurt in separate shootings in the city of Lewiston.

The suspect, Robert Card, has not yet been taken into custody.

Authorities said there is no credible information that Card has left Maine.

Anyone who sees anything or anyone suspicious is asked to call 911 immediately.