why is the us flag at half mast

The US flag is at half mast from August 27 until sunset on August 31, 2025, 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. This order was given by President Donald Trump to honor those senselessly killed and injured in the incident, which involved children and led to a federal investigation. The flag lowering applies nationwide, including federal buildings, military posts, naval vessels, and US embassies abroad.