Governor Tom Wolf has issued the following statement in response to the shootings during Friday prayer at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:

“Frances and I are appalled by the senseless shootings at the mosques in New Zealand. Our hearts ache for the families and friends of the victims. Our hearts ache for us all. Where does this hate come from?

“We have a moral obligation to stand against it and support our Muslim friends and neighbors. People of all faiths deserve the right to worship without the threat of violence. It’s unconscionable that 49 people lost their lives, with dozens more injured, in such a senseless act of hatred and violence by individuals who espouse hatred, racism and religious intolerance. There is simply no excuse for this unthinkable act.

“Our founder, William Penn, was an outspoken supporter of religious freedom and Pennsylvania will always be a place of welcome and respect for all people. An attack on one community of faith is an attack on every community of faith. We must stand united against hatred and the dangerous rhetoric that normalizes it.”

In honor of the victims, the Main Capitol Building will be lighted blue, white, and red.

Gov. Wolf also ordered the Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds County to fly at half-staff in honor of the victims of the attacks.

The Commonwealth flag shall be lowered until sunset on Sunday, March 17, 2019.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute. The United States flag should remain at full-staff.