Gov. Perry Addresses Press After Fort Hood Shooting

The Texas family suffered a significant loss today with the tragedy at Fort Hood. Along with all Texans, Anita and I are keeping those affected by today’s incidents in our thoughts and prayers.

Texas stands ready to offer any support and resources that military officials request.

I have spoken directly with officials at Fort Hood, and Colonel Steve McCraw, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety and our state’s Homeland Security Director, and am keeping abreast of the situation.

To assist the Fort Hood team, I directed the deployment of a variety of state resources to the area, to assist in securing the perimeter, and provide other support as needed. These resources include Department of Public Safety troopers, Texas Rangers and helicopters.

Students in schools surrounding Fort Hood have either already gone home for the day, or are safely situated with teachers and faculty in their individual schools, until we get a declaration of “all clear” from military authorities.

Today’s events are a reminder to us all of the important relationship between Texas and the U.S. military, both in terms of our citizens who bravely serve and in the communities that support them.

To honor those who lost their lives today, I have ordered that all flags in Texas be lowered to half-staff until Sunday, and ask all Texans to pray for their families.

We will continue providing information as it emerges.