Why are flags half-staff in Virginia?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Flags outside of Virginia's state and local buildings are to be immediately lowered after a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic School left two dead and 17 injured.

The office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a flag order the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 27, instructing that all Virginia and American flags flown outside of state and local buildings are to be lowered to half-staff "in memory and respect of the victims of this senseless act of violence committed on August 27, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota."

Wednesday morning, a gunman shot through the windows of a church at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Two children -- an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old -- were killed. Fourteen other children, as well as 3 adults, were also shot.

These flags should remain at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, Aug. 31.

RELATED: Catholic Diocese of Richmond responds to tragedy in Minneapolis

Per Youngkin's office, this flag order was issued pursuant to a presidential proclamation by President Donald Trump.