why is the american flag at half staff

The American flag is at half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims of a mass shooting that occurred on August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. President Donald Trump issued an order for the flag to be flown at half-staff from August 27 until sunset on August 31, 2025, across the United States, including federal buildings, military posts, naval vessels, and U.S. embassies abroad. This gesture honors the victims of the senseless acts of violence, which included the deaths of two children and injuries to at least 17 others. The shooter died at the scene, and the event is under federal investigation with potential elements of domestic terrorism and hate crimes.