Gov. Malloy Steps Up State Police Patrols After San Bernadino Mass Shooting

Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered increased state police patrols at Connecticut Department of Developmental Services facilities in the wake of a mass shooting at a facility serving people with developmental disabilities in San Bernardino, California that killed 14 people.

“This is yet another heartbreaking situation, and yet another day during which families are holding their breath hoping – and praying – that their loved ones are coming home. And it’s our most vulnerable communities who are suffering today. Unnecessary gun violence is plaguing America, and we must step up and act to protect our neighbors, our families, and communities across the nation," Malloy said in a statement. “In light of today’s events, we will have enhanced State Police patrols at DDS facilities out of an abundance of caution. Our hearts are with this community tonight.”

The images coming out of San Bernardino are tough to escape and police officers in Connecticut are no exception. Even though the mass shooting is unfolding roughly 3,000 miles away, for many the tragedy hits home.

Malloy said he spoke with California Gov. Edmund Brown Jr. to express condolences and offer help.

"I want to say, I just completed a call to Gov. Brown out in California, where I expressed condolences on behalf of the people of Connecticut towards the people of California and those expected by the shooting and offered to be of any assistance we could be," Malloy said in an early evening press conference in which he also addressed the state budget. "We both commiserated about these kinds of situations taking place in our country and during our respective terms. ... We had fruitful discussions and I think, given the excruciating detail the speaker went into, answering your questions, I agree with him."

Malloy later added, “We are mourning for the San Bernardino community, for the families who lost loved ones, and those with loved ones who’ve been victimized. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families on this day and the first responders and others who will be impacted by these events."

State government officials earlier addressed the shooting on social media.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) tweeted just after 4 p.m., "In 30,000 tragic deaths every year — and now #SanBernardino — Congress is effectively complicit for its inaction."

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) also chimed in, tweeting, "Oh god. Not again. #SanBernardino."

Later on, another post-San Bernardino tweet he posted garnered some attention. He tweeted, "Your 'thoughts' should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your 'prayers' should be for forgiveness if you do nothing - again."

Meanwhile, U.S. Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-5), was simultaneously calling on the U.S. House to "advance commonsense proposals to reduce gun violence," she tweeted. 

Around 4 p.m, Gov. Malloy tweeted, "@RepEsty is right, it is time for Congress to vote on commonsense gun safety legislation."

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