LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The shootings at two Chattanooga military facilities prompted Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to take action.
On Friday, THV11 reported the Governor authorized the Arkansas National Guard Adjutant General Mark Berry to arm all full-time military personnel.
The Governor released the following statement:
“Our hearts break at the news of another senseless act of violence and terror, this time out of Chattanooga,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Our prayers go out to all the families of the victims, especially the family of Staff Sgt. David Wyatt of Russellville, one of Arkansas’s own.”
“I want to join in those who are calling for greater security at our recruiting stations and military installations. We’ve had numerous instances of attacks. Clearly they are a target, and for us to have unarmed military personnel makes no sense, which is why I am directing Major General Mark Berry to arm full-time personnel as he deems necessary at military installations.”
In addition, Hutchinson announced a proclamation ordering that all flags fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, July 20 to honor the four Marines that were killed in Chattanooga on Thursday
One of those, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, was an Arkansas native from Russellville.