AUSTIN -- State leaders say Texas will memorialize the victims of Thursday's shooting at Fort Hood as well as help Federal investigators find answers about the mass murder on post.
"I have spoken directly with officials at Ft. Hood, and Col. Steve McCraw, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety and our state’s Homeland Security Director, and am keeping abreast of the situation," said Gov. Rick Perry.
"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."
While the governor also ordered flags on all state buildings to half staff through Sunday, other state leaders lamented that the attack wasn't stopped sooner.
"My heart breaks for the soldiers and families who lost their lives and loved ones today at Ft. Hood. To return from the horrors of war, only to find that the nightmare is not over is heart-wrenching," said State Sen. Leticia van de Putte, D-San Antonio, chair of the Veterans Affairs and Military Installations committee, in a written statement.
"My thoughts and prayers are with those families who lost their loved ones and the soldiers who were injured. As Veterans' Day approaches, we should all be especially mindful of the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces."
U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, represents a district which stretches north of Williamson County to include Ft. Hood.
“My condolences go out to the soldiers and the families affected by this horrific event,” he said in a written statement. "The soldiers at Fort Hood are the finest in the world and have our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families tonight.”
