

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison on Friday ordered the arming of full-time National Guard troops in response to the Islamist terror attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Thursday that killed four unarmed Marines at a Navy and Marine reserve center.

Hutchison also ordered the state flag be flown half-staff.

Hutchison’s statement noted that one of those killed, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, was from Arkansas.

“LITTLE ROCK – In the wake of the shootings Thursday at the Navy and Marine reserve center in Chattanooga, Tenn., Governor Asa Hutchinson has authorized Arkansas National Guard Adjutant General Mark Berry to arm full-time military personnel.

“In addition, the Governor has issued a proclamation ordering the state flag of Arkansas to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, July 20, 2015 as a mark of respect and as an expression of public sorrow for the four Marines killed, including Arkansas native Staff Sgt. David Wyatt of Russellville.

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“Governor Hutchinson released the followings 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.””