why are flags currently at half staff

Flags are currently 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. This shooting tragically resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to at least 17 others. President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide from August 27 until sunset on August 31, 2025, to honor these victims and as a symbol of mourning for this senseless act of violence. State and local governments have also followed this order, lowering flags at public facilities during this period of national mourning.