UPDATED: Kasich joins other governors in rejecting Syrian refugees

Ohio Gov. John Kasich is writing to President Obama to ask him to stop resettling Syrian refugees in Ohio, The Columbus Dispatch reported Monday.

The announcement came three days after the terrorists attacks in Paris that left more than 130 dead. It also contradicts Kasich's statement in September that he supported Obama's plan to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees.

In response to comments made by Governor John Kasich this afternoon, Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) released the following statement:
 
“As Speaker, I agree with Governor Kasich’s statement that, at this time, we should not allow Syrian refugees into Ohio,” Rosenberger said. “As we again saw this past weekend, these are very challenging times around the world, and it is critical that public leaders take precautionary steps to keep United States’ citizens safe.

“In order to protect all Americans, we must ensure that there is a stringent vetting process and appropriate security measures in place to keep danger and terror off of American soil. The protection of Ohio’s families is paramount. Therefore, I stand ready and willing to help Governor Kasich in our united mission to keep all Ohioans and Americans safe.”

The Washington Post reported Monday that list of states rejecting Syrian refugees climbed to 13, after Obama said that the U.S. would continue to accept refugees. He denounced the governors' "efforts to those fleeing violence from coming to the United States as 'shameful,'" the Post said. 

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said Monday: “After full consideration of this weekend’s attacks of terror on innocent citizens in Paris, I will oppose any attempt to relocate Syrian refugees to Alabama through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As your governor, I will not stand complicit to a policy that places the citizens of Alabama in harm’s way.”

USA Today reported later Monday that 21 governors are taking action to reject Syrian refugees.

The governors are from: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.