Flags are flying half-staff in New Jersey today, Aug. 28, and will continue through the weekend under orders by President Donald Trump as the city of Minneapolis mourns the deaths of two children after a gunman opened fire on a church filled with schoolchildren on Aug. 27.
Minnesotans mourned the children’s deaths and the injuries of at least 17 people after the 23-year-old shooter took aim at children praying during Mass inside Annunciation Catholic Church to celebrate the start of the school year at Annunciation Catholic School, located next door, according to USA TODAY reporting.
Here’s what to know.
What to know about Minneapolis shooting
Two children were killed, aged 8 and 10, and 17 others were injured when the 23-year-old shooter, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire thorough the stained-glass windows of Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to police, as reported by USA TODAY. Children were praying during Mass to celebrate the start of the school year, located just steps away.
Ten victims wounded in the deadly attack were being treated at nearby Hennepin Healthcare, the largest trauma hospital in Minnesota, according to the latest update by Hennepin Healthcare, the largest trauma hospital in Minneapolis. Of the injured, one adult and five children remained in critical condition. Three children and one adult were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, per the hospital.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Westman died from a self-inflicted wound.
Why is the flag at half staff today in NJ?
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Aug. 17, 2025 ordering U.S. flags be flown half-staff as a “mark of respect” for the victims of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in Minneapolis. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy mourned the deaths in a post on X, stating he and First Lady Tammy Murphy were “devastated.”
How long do flags stay at half mast or half staff?
Flags will be flown half-staff from today, Aug. 28, 2025, through sunset Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025.
Where are flags flying half-staff today?
All U.S. flags will be flying half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds, all military posts and naval stations and naval vessels across the U.S. and its territories. Flags will also be flown half-staff at embassies, military facilities, and naval vessels and stations abroad, per Trump’s order.
What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff?
The difference between a flag flying half-mast and half-staff depends on where the flag is being flown. In America, flags flown on land are from staffs, while half-mast refers to flags flown from ships and at naval stations ashore.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Why is the flag half mast today? NJ, Trump orders flags half-staff