why is the american flag at half staff today

The American flag is at half-staff today as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of a senseless act of violence that occurred on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This act of violence was a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, where two children were killed and 17 others were hurt. A Presidential Proclamation was issued, and multiple states' governors, including Massachusetts, Virginia, and Connecticut, have ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff from August 27 through sunset on August 31, 2025, in honor of the victims and to express mourning and respect.