US flags flying at half-staff in Florida and across the country out of respect. Here's why
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Flags are flying at half-staff most of this week across Florida and the U.S.
President Biden ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff through sunset Thursday as a mark of respect for the victims in Allen, Texas.
On May 6, a gunman fired into a crowd at an outlet mall, killing at least eight people and injuring seven others. It brought the number of mass shootings in the U.S. to 200 so far in 2023.
The shooting was the nation's third of the day, following others in Chico, California and Columbus, Ohio.
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Why is the flag at half-staff today in Florida?
Biden ordered the flag to be flown at half-staff as a "mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence" that took place May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas.
Where should flags be flown at half-staff?
The flag should be flown at half-staff at the White House and at all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions.
The flag also will be flown at half-staff at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
How long will the flag be at half-staff?
The flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset, May 11.
Is it half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
Flags flown at half-staff for prior mass shooting in Texas
Biden also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in May 2022 after 19 children and a teacher were killed in an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
It was the deadliest shooting at a U.S. grade school since the 2012 attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: US flags flying half-staff to respect Texas shooting victims
