DENVER — Friday, July 20, 2012 — President Barack Obama today ordered flags be lowered to half-staff nationwide as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence in Aurora on July 20, 2012.

 Gov. John Hickenlooper today also ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings statewide until further notice in memory of those killed at the movie theater in Aurora.

 The full text of the Presidential Proclamation:

 THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release July 20, 2012
HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN AURORA, COLORADO
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

 As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colorado, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, July 25, 2012. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

 

BARACK OBAMA

 ***

Gov. John Hickenlooper released this statement today in response to the shooting overnight at the Aurora movie theater:

 

“This is not only an act of extreme violence, it is also an act of depravity. It is beyond the power of words to fully express our sorrow this morning. Our prayers and condolences go first to the families of those killed, and we share the grief of everyone affected by this senseless event. We appreciate the swift work by local, state and federal law enforcement. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This is one of those times.”

 

Questions regarding friends or family involved please call the Medical Center of Aurora at (303) 873-5292.

 

Donations are being accepted through www.givingfirst.org (a program of the Community First Foundation)

 

Blood Donations – Please have anyone interested in donating blood call 303-366-2000 or visit www.bonfils.org to schedule an appointment at the donor center/mobile drive of their choice. Bonfils is particularly in need of O-, A- and platelets and ask that donors with those blood types please consider donating. No walk-ins please.

 

Tip Line For people have information regarding the Aurora event – (303) 739-1637

 

Evacuation / Reunification Center – Gateway High School
1300 S. Sable Blvd
Aurora, CO 80012

 

Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) has many resources to help process the tragedy. They list helpful tips for you and for connecting with victims. Additionally, there is a list of help resource numbers.

 

For more information please visit: www.coloradocrimevictims.org/crisistips.html or 303-861-1160 (COVA Daytime)