SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, March 22, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Gov. Gary R. Herbert has authorized the lowering of American flags and Utah flags to honor the victims of the terrorist attack in Brussels, Belgium.
“Jeanette and I, along with the three million residents of Utah, are absolutely heartbroken to learn of this terrible tragedy,” Herbert said in a prepared statement.
“We are again reminded that the world we live in is a dangerous place, a place where the War on Terror has never ceased. We join with the rest of the world at this time in mourning for the people of Belgium.
“It is not uncommon for innocent victims to be targeted in these terrorist attacks, but seldom do we see people of faith who have forsaken everything — family, friends, school and careers — in order to share a message of hope and love with the world also fall victim.
Herbert also mentioned the three Utah missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were injured in one of the airport explosions.
“To the Norby, Empey and Wells families, please know that the state of Utah is united in prayer at this time for the health and well-being of your missionaries. As Utahns, we stand together with our fellow Americans and those around the world in our resolve to put an end to these acts of terror.”
The three had been accompanying a fourth missionary who was on her way to a mission assignment in Ohio, and who had already passed through airport security, the LDS Church reported Tuesday morning.
The injured missionaries, whose families have been notified, are Elder Richard Norby, 66, of Lehi, Elder Joseph Empey, 20, of Santa Clara, Utah and Elder Mason Wells, 19, of Sandy.
The missionaries were taking Sister Fanny Rachel Clain, 20, of Montélimar, France, to the airport. Clain had been serving in that mission while awaiting a permanent Visa for the United States.
The Church released the additional information at noon Tuesday that Clain has also been hospitalized with minor injuries.
The flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Saturday.
