HONOLULU (KHON2) — Following the deadly shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, which left two children dead and 17 others injured, Gov. Josh Green and the local Catholic Church react.
In a statement to the Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the Diocese of Honolulu conveyed its shared grievance for the loss of life.
The statement reads:
“The people of the Diocese of Honolulu join you in prayer as you grieve the loss of life, the injuries, and the trauma from this morning’s mass shooting at the school Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. It is hard to imagine the pain that so many families are experiencing at this time.
Even though it is difficult to understand how such a tragic event could happen even while innocent children and others are worshipping the Lord, their participation in the Paschal Mystery became very poignant today. As people of faith, we know that evil does seem to triumph, but in the end it never really does. May the Risen Lord bring comfort to the families of Annunciation Parish and School and to all who grieve over this tremendous tragedy.
Please convey the concern and Aloha of the people of Hawaii to all who are suffering this deep wound that has been inflicted upon them.”
Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu.
Green also expressed his condolences for the victims.
“Our hearts are also with the people of Minnesota as they grieve lives taken far too soon,” Green said. “Hawai‘i stands united in compassion and sorrow with all those affected by this tragedy. May the lowering of our flags serve as a symbol of aloha, support and our shared resolve to end senseless violence in our communities.”
On Aug. 27, Green ordered the United States and state of Hawai‘i flags to be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard, in recognition of two solemn observances.
The first, at the direction of the President of the United States, flags are being lowered immediately until sunset on Sunday, Aug. 31, in honor of the victims of the acts of violence in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Aug. 27.
Second, Green ordered that flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise on Friday, Aug. 29 until sunset on Monday, Sep. 1, in honor of Maui Police Officer Suzanne O, who was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 15.
“Officer Suzanne O gave her life in service to the people of Maui and the state of Hawai‘i,” Green said. “She was a dedicated public servant, remembered for her professionalism, compassion and deep commitment to her community. This tragic loss reminds us of the profound sacrifices law enforcement officers make every day to keep our communities safe. On the day we lower our flags, we honor Officer O’s life, her service and her enduring legacy of integrity and aloha.”
Funeral services for Officer O will be on Aug. 29.