Hochul directs flags to half-staff in honor of victims of Colorado Springs shooting

Following mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado, flags lowered starting today 

√ State landmarks to be lit in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance  

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday announced that flags on state government buildings will be flown at half-staff starting today in honor of the victims of the mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs. The governor also announced that New York state landmarks will be lit pink, white and light blue today in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance.

"The senseless loss of life in Colorado Springs is yet another tragedy due to gun violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community," Hochul said.  "New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and we will continue to stand with the community so that every New Yorker can live with the dignity and equality they deserve. My administration will continue our efforts to prevent hate crimes and speak out against hatred and bigotry." 

Hochul also announced the New York State Police is increasing surveillance and protection for communities at risk of hate crimes following the mass shooting in Colorado. The State Police's counterterrorism intelligence unit is also conducting outreach to LGBTQ+ communities across New York. These efforts build on Hochul's increase in funding to protect targets of hate crimes and to combat domestic extremism.

In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, the landmarks to be lit include:   

• One World Trade Center    
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge 
• Kosciuszko Bridge 
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building 
• State Education Building 
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building 
• Empire State Plaza 
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center 
• Niagara Falls 
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge 
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct 
• Albany International Airport Gateway 
• MTA Long Island Rail Road – East End Gateway at Penn Station 
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal