Alabama Governor Orders Confederate Flag Removed From State Capitol

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) ordered the removal of the Confederate flag from the grounds of the state Capitol Wednesday morning, saying it was simply "the right thing to do."

According to AL.com, two state workers "with no fanfare quickly and quietly took the flag down."

In a statement, Gov. Bentley said his decision was based in part on the recent shooting in South Carolina.

"Yes, partially this is about that," said Bentley. "This is the right thing to do. We are facing some major issues in this state regarding the budget and other matters that we need to deal with. This had the potential to become a major distraction as we go forward. I have taxes to raise, we have work to do. And it was my decision that the flag needed to come down."