President Obama issued a proclamation today ordering all flags to be flown at half mast as the nation mourns the 27 people who were killed today during the school shooting in Connecticut .
The Huffington Post reports that the flags at the White House, public buildings and military facilities will be flown at half-staff until sundown on December 18.
Obama wrote:
“As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, 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, December 18, 2012. 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.”
Twenty seven people were killed today at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, including 18 students. The shooter has been “tentatively” identified as Adam Lanza .
Obama addressed the nation earlier today saying that his “ heart was broken ” from the tragic events that unfolded today in Connecticut.
Flag now at half-staff. #PrayforNewtown twitter.com/uscapitol/stat…
— U.S. Capitol (@uscapitol) December 14, 2012