Flags lowered at White House, Capitol

Following a declaration by President Obama, American flags at the White House and U.S. Capitol have been lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of last night's shootings in Aurora, Colorado.

This afternoon, Mr. Obama ordered flags to be flown at half-staff or half-mast at the White House, all public buildings, military posts, naval stations, naval vessels, and U.S. facilities abroad until July 25. In his proclamation, the president said the action was being taken "[a]s a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on July 20, 2012."

The president led a moment of silence for the victims earlier today. 

[gracie-lou1971]

man with mental illness with a gun. movie theatre full of sitting duck patrons. nation in mourning. this has nothing to do with your dislike of the President. ugh. leave this alone. hug your kids and make sure to keep your priorities straight. that is what i believe the president is doing.

[formerlyluvnut]

Flags should be lowered only for dignataries and fallen soldiers.

[BlameSamhain]

Upon presidential proclamation, which has recently included: the interment of Frank Buckles, the death of Senator Ted Kennedy; the remembrance of the 9/11 attacks the death of Pope John Paul II, the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the deaths of Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks, Virginia Tech massacre,and the Fort Hood massacre the flag can be ordered to be lowered. Any death or tragedy that is recognized by the president is reason enough.