Governor Bill Haslam
The hearts, minds and prayers of Tennesseans, and of the entire nation, have been turned toward Chattanooga this month.
We are sickened and saddened by the senseless tragedy, and we grieve for the families of the five service members who were killed, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” K. Wells, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt and Petty Officer Second Class Randall Smith. We continue to pray for the speedy recovery of Chattanooga Police Officer Dennis Pedigo, who was injured in the attack.
As Chattanooga and our state move forward, I want to share a couple things.
First, I am incredibly impressed with and grateful for the actions of local, state and federal law enforcement officers, and I feel very good about the FBI’s commitment to devote resources and follow every possible lead in its investigation.
Second, we have to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to ensure the security of our guardsmen. On July 19 I issued a directive to Adjutant General Max Haston to review security policies and procedures at National Guard armories, storefront recruiting facilities and other installations and to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of guardsmen, citizens and property. I also instructed Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons to assess the process for issuing handgun carry permits to trained members of the military and to look for ways to streamline it.
On July 20 the Tennessee National Guard temporarily repositioned its soldiers in storefront recruiting locations to local National Guard armories, allowing the review of the storefront facilities and what additional security measures are necessary to improve security at these locations. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security has streamlined the handgun permit application process for members of the military and is working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which conducts criminal background checks on all handgun permit applicants, to help with the process.
We’re continuing our review to determine the very best long-term security measures to protect our military men and women as they continue to serve and protect us. (Click here to read more.)
Finally, as I told those gathered for a prayer vigil in Chattanooga, my prayer is that we will follow the words of Jeremiah and seek the prosperity and peace of the city to which we are called. I know Tennesseans join me in continuing to pray for healing for all those involved and for the Chattanooga community. We know they will remain Chattanooga Strong.