American flags will be flown at half-staff this week to honor the victims of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in Minneapolis, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday afternoon.
The half-staff flags will honor the two children who were killed and the additional 17 people who were injured by a gunman who opened fire on students and teachers gathered for Wednesday morning Mass at the Minneapolis Catholic school. The shooter, named Robin Westman, according to the Associated Press, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the parking lot.
Public flags will fly at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, Aug. 31. Trump said the order comes “as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.”
Trump last posted on Truth Social earlier this morning, announcing he had been fully briefed on the shooting.
“The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” Trump said.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted several updates from the shooting on X, including the fact that the Bureau is investigating the incident as a hate crime.
“The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,” Patel wrote on X. “The FBI will continue to provide updates on our ongoing investigation with the public as we are able.”
TWO CHILDREN DEAD AND 17 INJURED AFTER SHOOTING AT MINNEAPOLIS ANNUNCIATION CHURCH
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin also took steps out of respect for the shooting victims on Wednesday, announcing he was cutting the DNC meeting short after the Minnesota tragedy.
In April, Trump ordered the flags at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis after he died on Easter Monday.
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