Why It Matters
Nationwide, U.S. flags have been lowered as a mark of respect to the victims of Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
Meanwhile, Louisiana will lower its state flags to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Kansas is paying its respects to a long-serving and respected judge, Bruce Brown, after his death on August 21.
What To Know
US Flags
President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered the U.S. flag to be flown half-staff nationwide from Wednesday until sunset on Sunday, following this week’s mass shooting in Minneapolis.
Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, and at least 17 others were wounded at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday. The shooter died by suicide at the scene, and federal authorities opened an investigation that included potential domestic terrorism and hate-crime components.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as “absolutely incomprehensible.”
A presidential proclamation identified the flag lowering as a mark of respect for victims of the “senseless acts of violence.” The flag order applies nationwide, including the White House, all U.S. naval vessels and military facilities.
Louisiana
Louisiana will mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on August 29. Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, becoming the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. since the 1920s.
Nearly 1,400 deaths and widespread destruction followed when levees failed in New Orleans, a catastrophe that shaped federal and local emergency-response policy in subsequent years.
Both the American and the Louisiana state flag will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Day to honor victims and those who perished during the disaster.
The state encouraged political subdivisions, private entities, and educational institutions to lower flags in observance.
Kansas
Kansas state officials directed flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the passing of Sedgwick County District Judge Bruce Charles Brown, who died on August 21. He was 64 years old.
Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings to be lowered until the judge’s interment, citing his long service on the bench. Brown served Sedgwick County’s 18th Judicial District from 2009 until his passing.
“He loved adventures and ice cream! He traveled as far as Tibet and had multiple adventures in the Army. Bruce followed in his dad’s footsteps getting his pilots license and loved flying,” an obituary for the judge read.
It added: “Bruce fought the good fight, he kept his faith, and he finished his race with peace with Jesus.”
What People Are Saying
The United States Postal Service, in a statement on Wednesday: “To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, in a statement on August 25: “Twenty years ago, our state endured one of the darkest chapters in its history. But out of that tragedy, the people of Louisiana showed the world what it means to rebuild, recover, and rise stronger than ever before. This week, we honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the countless heroes who answered the call. As we remember Hurricane Katrina, we also recognize the incredible progress we’ve made to rebuild stronger, invest in preparedness, and protect the future of our great state.”
Sedgwick County District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, in a statement on August 22: “Judge Brown served the Sedgwick County community with dignity and honor. As a criminal judge, he made sure proceedings before him were fair, just, and followed the law. He was a skilled judge, a valuable colleague, and a good friend. Our hearts go out to his family, and we join them in their sorrow.”
What Happens Next
Officials investigating the Minneapolis shooting continue their inquiry; the motive remains under federal and local investigation.
A memorial is scheduled for Brown at 10 a.m. on August 30 at Olivet Baptist Church.
