SALT LAKE CITY — President Barack Obama has ordered the lowering of the flag of the United States of America to half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims in a nightclub shooting in Orlando, Sunday.
The flags are to be lowered June 12 and expected to stay at half-staff until sunset, on June 16. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a similar statement for the flag of the state of Utah and the American Flag in Utah for the same timeline.
The mass shooting at the gay nightclub left 50 dead and at least 53 injured, according to Orlando police. The shooting is considered the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.
Read the President’s full proclamation below:
As a mark of respect for the victims of the act of hatred and terror perpetrated on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Florida, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon 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 until sunset, June 16, 2016. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
Gov. Herbert’s statement read:
“Our hearts are broken for those who have lost loved ones, family and friends in this despicable and cowardly attack. As Utahns, we must unite together with those from around the world in love and prayer for our brothers and sisters who are the victims of this terrible tragedy. While there remains many unanswered questions at this time, such violence must be condemned by all of us. The Utah Department of Public Safety continues to be in communication with local and national authorities as more information is obtained.”
