Washington, DC — Flags around the state and the nation are flying at half-staff today in honor and in memory of those who died in a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
President Donald Trump says the half-staff is a mark of solemn respect for “the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2018.” The President has ordered 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, October 31, 2018. The President also directed that the flag is to 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.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds echoed the President’s order, issuing her own order that all flags in Iowa be lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sunset on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, for the same reason.
Flags are at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags are also at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
The shooter has been identified as 46-year-old Robert Bowers of Pittsburgh. There were 11 fatalities. No children died. Additionally, six people were injured, including four police officers. That does not include the suspect, who also received gunshot wounds.
Bowers allegedly screamed at a SWAT officer that he wanted “all Jews to die,” according to a criminal complaint filed against him. He has been discharged from a hospital as of Monday morning and has been charged with 29 federal counts, including hate crimes. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
