why is the american flag at half mast today

The American flag is at half-mast today, August 29, 2025, as a mark of respect and mourning for the victims of a mass shooting that occurred on August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This shooting resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to at least 17 others. President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide from August 27 until sunset on August 31, 2025, in honor of the victims of this senseless act of violence. Additionally, some states are also lowering flags for other commemorations, such as the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and a tribute to a respected judge in Kansas, but the main reason nationwide is the Minneapolis shooting tragedy.