Las Vegas Shooting: NY Flags At Half Staff, Police On Alert

Flags at New York government buildings have been ordered to half staff until sunset Oct. 6, in conjunction with a federal proclamation, to honor the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting. The state strengthened security as well.

"I have directed flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff in the memory of the innocent lives lost and the others irreparably altered by this act of mass murder. How many more times must we see the effects of gun violence and feel the devastating effects of these shootings before we act as a country and as a people?" said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in a statement. "While facts continue to be gathered, I have directed additional security measures at key points around the state as a precaution. The safety of New Yorkers and our visitors is our number one priority, and we are remaining vigilant and in close contact with local and federal officials and our partner law enforcement agencies."

The Las Vegas massacre was the 272nd American mass-shooting incident in 2017, according to the nearby Newtown Action Alliance.

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In the Hudson Valley, community leaders and politicians reacted with horror.

Some called for controls on assault weapons.

"Assault weapons are weapons of war and NO ONE other than the military & law enforcement should have access to them," said Alice Cooper Joselow of Ossining. "We need real Gun Control now."

“I am heartbroken by the tragedy in Las Vegas. My prayers go out to the victims and their families during this unimaginably difficult time. We are with you," said Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester). “With hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths in Las Vegas, it could not be more obvious that Congress must pass meaningful gun legislation, including a ban on assault weapons. We must also work together to block any attempt to make it easier for shooters to go undetected. Inaction is unacceptable.

Suffolk County law enforcement said they saw no threat to large concert venues on Long Island.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families, as well as Las Vegas law enforcement and other first responders dealing with this horrendous attack," Suffolk Police Commissioner Tim Sini and Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said in a statement. "Video from the attack is reminiscent of combat footage and we laud the rapid and courageous response by Nevada law enforcement to end this extreme violence."

Photo via AP Photo/John Locher