New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed flags to half staff on all state government buildings following the shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado over the weekend.
"The senseless loss of life in Colorado Springs is yet another tragedy due to gun violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community," Hochul said in a statementSunday.
She indicated in the statement that New York police are also stepping up surveillance and protection measures in communities deemed at risk of hate crimes.
Hochul said the state is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and will stand with the community to ensure that every New Yorker may live with the dignity and quality they deserve.