Gov. Pat Quinn has ordered flags in Illinois to be flown at half staff. (Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickr user mrsdkrebs)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in memory of the dozens killed in the Connecticut school shootings.

Quinn said in a statement Friday that Illinoisans are praying for the victims and families in Newtown, Conn.

A gunman opened fire inside an elementary school, killing at least 26 people, including 18 children. Quinn says he is ``deeply saddened'' to learn about the shootings. He cited a 2008 shooting at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb that left five students dead.
Quinn says he intends to pursue passage of ``strict laws that will protect our children and the people of Illinois from gun violence.''