U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff nationwide, while Louisiana and Kansas will pay their own tributes.
American flags and some state flags will be flown at half-staff across the United States this week and over the weekend to acknowledge three tragic events.
Why It Matters
Nationwide, U.S. flags have been lowered as a mark of respect to the victims of Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
Meanwhile, Louisiana will lower its state flags to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Kansas is paying its respects to a long-serving and respected judge, Bruce Brown, after his death on August 21.What To KnowUS Flags
President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered the U.S. flag to be flown half-staff nationwide from Wednesday until sunset on Sunday, following this week’s mass shooting in Minneapolis.
Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, and at least 17 others were wounded at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday. The shooter died by suicide at the scene, and federal authorities opened an investigation that included potential domestic terrorism and hate-crime components.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as «absolutely incomprehensible.»
A presidential proclamation identified the flag lowering as a mark of respect for victims of the «senseless acts of violence.» The flag order applies nationwide, including the White House, all U.S. naval vessels and military facilities.
