Sacramento, California - Acting Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff and issued the following statement in response to last night’s shooting in Ventura County:

"Jennifer and I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Helus, and to the friends and families of the many who lost their lives in yet another horrific act of gun violence. We join the Thousand Oaks community in its grief and, together with all Californians, recognize the bravery and heroism of our nation’s peace officers and first responders.

"This atrocious act and the many mass shootings that came before are beyond heartbreaking – they are societal failures. Simply saying 'enough is enough' isn't enough. We must address the root causes of these devastating acts at every level of government."

Ventura County Sheriff’s Sergeant Ronald Lee Helus, age 54, was a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife and son.

In honor of Sgt. Helus, flags at state buildings will be flown at half-staff.