Statement by the White House Press Secretary

Washington D.C - The President will make a statement on Wednesday at the White House to discuss the election results and what steps we can take as a country to come together after this hard-fought election season.

The President invited the President-elect to meet with him at the White House on Thursday, November 10th, to update him on the transition planning his team has been working on for nearly a year. Ensuring a smooth transition of power is one of the top priorities the President identified at the beginning of the year and a meeting with the President-elect is the next step.

U.S. Figure Skating Statement Regarding Tragedy in Paris, Remainder of Trophee Bompard Cancelled

U.S. Figure Skating is deeply saddened by Friday's tragic events in Paris. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families and the people of France.

We fully support the decision of French authorities to cancel the remaining portion of the 2015 Trophee Bompard event in Bordeaux, France.

U.S. Figure Skating is working with the ISU, the French Federation of Ice Sports and local authorities to ensure the quick and safe return of Team USA.

The Minister of Interior Affairs of France, Bernard Cazeneuve, and the Mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppe, have informed the French Figure Skating Federation (FFSG) that the competition at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event ”Trophee Eric Bompard 2015” in Bordeaux has to be cancelled due to the state of emergency and national mourning days in France.

The International Skating Union (ISU) has acknowledged the decision.

The International Skating Union and the French Figure Skating Federation express their deepest sympathy to the victims of the despicable terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13.

Statement of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh Regarding 9-Alarm Back Bay Fire

Tonight the City of Boston mourns the loss of two of our own. Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost their lives battling the nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street today.

Words cannot do justice to the grief that we feel tonight. Our hearts are heavy with the knowledge that these brave men gave their lives to protect the safety of our city and its people.

The men and women of the Boston Fire Department are the brave heroes who run towards the danger when others run away. A day like today makes us all too aware of what they are risking in the course of doing their jobs. They are heroes simply by virtue of accepting this duty. They put themselves in harm’s way so that others might be safe.

Thank you to the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department (Official), Boston EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and all other first responders and volunteers for your heroic work today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families tonight as they face this terrible loss. We also hold close their fellow firefighters, who have lost friends as dear as brothers.

Governor Peter Shumlin issued the following statement following the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

Governor Peter Shumlin issued the following statement following the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

“I was shocked and sickened to hear about this morning's tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. My office has spoken with Vermont State Police and the Vermont Principals Association, who report that principals and staff are especially vigilant in the aftermath of this morning's tragedy. Parents and students should know that nearly all Vermont schools have emergency plans and security in place. Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca has also asked all schools to review their safety plans to ensure they are current. As a parent, I am heartbroken by this tragedy, and my heart and thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims in Connecticut.”