why is the flag at half staff today

The flag is at half-staff today as a mark of respect for the victims of a mass shooting that occurred on August 27, 2025, at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This was ordered by a Presidential Proclamation and is in effect until the sunset on August 31, 2025. The shooting resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to many others, and it is being investigated as a possible domestic terrorism and hate crime. Additionally, in Louisiana, flags are lowered today to honor Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Day, commemorating the victims and sacrifices from that tragic event. Various states have also ordered flags at half-staff to honor specific local tragedies and notable individuals recently deceased.