Press Release
Sept. 11, 2001
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront /Terry Sebastian (502) 564-2611 

Governor Patton expresses sympathy and offers assurances

Frankfort, KY – Governor Paul E. Patton today expressed his shock at today’s national events and offered prayers as the nation began to assess the impact of the terrorists acts in New York and in Washington D.C.

“Our nation has been attacked and certainly there are thousands of personal tragedies: some that could lead back to Kentucky,” he said. “In honor of the victims and their family and friends, I have asked that all flags be flown at half mast in Kentucky.”

In meetings today with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Division of Emergency Management, Governor Patton was assured that the state was not a target and that all agencies would continue to coordinate their safety efforts.

KSP Commissioner Ishmon Burks said his agency is continuing to monitor state buildings for safety while meeting the needs of citizens who might have concerns.

KSP officers took several governors home earlier today when the Southern Governors’ Association’s Conference being held in Lexington was canceled due to national events, Burks said.

Additionally, Adjutant General D. Allen Youngman said National Guard armories in 47 communities have been placed on alert and that state emergency operations are being monitored from the Division of Emergency Management Center in Frankfort.

Governor Patton said more information about the national events will be available tomorrow and he will use his judgment on further action regarding Kentucky and its citizens.

“State offices will continue to stay open for business and we will be responsive to any request for help,” he said. “In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the families and friends who lost loved ones in today’s horrifying events.”

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