why is flag half staff today

The flag is at half-staff today as a mark of respect for the victims of a senseless act of violence that occurred on August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This order was issued by President Donald J. Trump, mandating that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff nationwide from August 27 until sunset on August 31, 2025. The tragic event involved the deaths of two children and injuries to at least 17 others. Various state governors, including those of Virginia, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, have also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims during this period.