President Donald Trump and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday, Aug. 27, ordered Michigan and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States to honor victims of the “senseless acts of violence” that took place in Minnesota earlier in the day.
Two children were killed and at least 17 were injured when a man shot through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Young students were at Mass at the time of the shooting, authorities said.
Here’s what you should know and the latest news about the shooting in Minnesota.
Why are flags flying at half-staff today?
Hours after the shooting, Trump issued a proclamation ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff across the country.
“As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence … I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff,” the proclamation said.
Whitmer issued an order as well Wednesday afternoon, “in accordance” with Trump’s order.
“Michiganders’ hearts are with the students, families, and teachers of Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” Whitmer said in a release. “To honor those we have lost, I am ordering flags to be lowered across Michigan. Let’s also keep those who were injured and in the hospital in our thoughts. We are grateful to all the first responders and medical professionals for their hard work and steadfast in our belief that every child deserves to learn and grow up without fearing for their life.”
How long should flags be flown at half-staff for the victims of Minnesota shooting?
Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset Aug. 31, Trump’s proclamation said.
Where should US flag be flown at half-staff?
The U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia.
Flags also should be flown at half-staff at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan wil be lowered to half-staff to honor and remember the victims of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Whitmer’s release said.
What happened at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota?
Two children were killed just before 8:30 a.m. Aug. 27 and at least 17 people were injured when a man shot through the windows of Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. Inside, students were attending Mass, authorities said.
The church also has a school. Students started their school year just two days prior to the shooting, Aug. 25, according to the school’s calendar. Thursday was scheduled to include a butterfly release.
An all-school Mass was scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, just minutes before the shooting started.
The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, 23, approached the outside of the church building and fired inside toward the children sitting in pews, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
The children killed were ages 8 and 10. Fourteen of the 17 injured victims were children, and two were in critical condition, O’Hara said.
The assailant died at the rear of the church from a self-inflicted wound, according to O’Hara, who said the weapons used in the attack had been purchased legally and recently.
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
What is the difference between ‘half-staff’ and ‘half-mast’?
Half-mast refers to flags lowered on a ship, while flagpoles are called staffs, according to Americanflags.com. Flags lowered on shore are called half-staff, as flagpoles on the ground or buildings are called staffs.
How do I know when Michigan flags are at half-staff?
In Michigan, you can sign up for alerts when flags should be flown at half-staff.
The Governor orders U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout Michigan in accordance with Executive Order 2013 -10. Additionally, flags will be flown at half-staff as proclaimed by the president of the U.S.
In addition, the flag is always lowered to half-staff on the following days by Governor Whitmer:
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Dec. 7
Peace Officers Memorial Day: May 15 — half-staff from sunrise to sunset; except when Peace Officers Memorial Day falls on Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May)
Memorial Day: Last Monday in May — the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff.
Flag honor notifications are issued by governor and are posted in the governor’s newsroom. To receive email notifications of flag honors, users can sign up for alerts via GovDelivery.
Contributing: USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Flags at half-staff in Michigan after Minneapolis, Minnesota, shooting