TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott on Monday ordered all U.S. and Florida flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff to honor the five military troops killed on Thursday a a recruiting office and reserved center in Chattanooga, Tennessee..
His executive order was effective immediately and directed that flags remained lowered until sunset on the day of the final slain military member's date of interment.
U.S Marine Staff Sgt. David Allen Wyatt is expected to be the first of the shooting victims to be buried, although the date and time have not been released to the public. Wyatt will be laid to rest in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors. Members of the Marine Corps who served with him will be active and honorary pallbearers.
Arrangements for the three other Marines and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith have not been announced.
Scott's directive to lower the flags comes two days after the governor issued an executive order directing Florida Adjutant General Michael Calhoun relocate all Florida National Guard personnel at the state's six storefront recruitment centers to the nearest Florida National Guard Armory until there are recommendations made to improve the security of store-front recruitment centers and the troops are adequately armed.