RELEASE: Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags After Mass Shooting in Lewiston, Maine

October 26, 2023?

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags After Mass Shooting in Lewiston, Maine?

LANSING, Mich. ? Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Thursday, October 26 through sunset on Monday, October 30 to honor and remember the victims of the shooting in Lewiston, Maine.?

?In the wake of yet another unthinkable tragedy, our hearts go out to the people of Lewiston, Maine,? said Governor Whitmer. ?Michiganders know the pain and heartache Mainers are feeling all too well, and we stand with them during this difficult time. We owe it to the victims and their families, and to all who have lost loved ones to gun violence, to take action in every corner of this nation. We must come together to enact sensible gun safety measures and ensure that the constant threat of gun violence no longer defines us.? ?

On October 25, a gunman killed at least 18 people and injured multiple others at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley?in Lewiston, Maine.?

The State of Michigan remembers the victims and stands in solidarity with residents of the state of Maine by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.?

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.?

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Tuesday, October 31.?

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