President Donald Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff nationwide following what he called “senseless acts of violence” in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
The Presidential proclamation directs flags to remain lowered through sunset on August 31, including at military installations and diplomatic facilities worldwide.
The order marks a somber response to tragedy in Minnesota’s largest city on the morning of August 27, when a mass shooter riddled a Catholic school with bullets. Two students, ages 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others were injured.
Federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and vessels were ordered to lower their flags immediately. U.S. embassies, consulates, and overseas military facilities received the same directive.
The proclamation represents one of the most visible ways presidents acknowledge national tragedies.
Half-staff orders typically follow mass shootings, terrorist attacks, or other events causing significant loss of life. The four-day duration suggests a particularly serious incident.
The White House released no additional details about the victims or circumstances.