Governor Whitmer Directs Flags to Remain Lowered Through Sunday to Honor Lives Lost in the Shooting in Oxford, Michigan

Press Release

Governor Whitmer today ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to remain lowered through Sunday, December 12 to honor and remember the lives lost in the shooting at Oxford High School in Oakland County on November 30. The flags have been lowered since November 30 to honor those who lost their lives as their families lay them to rest.

"The state of Michigan continues to grieve the lives lost in Oxford," said Governor Whitmer. "We have kept the flags lowered to honor the lives of Tate, Madisyn, Justin, and Hana until each family could lay them to rest surrounded by loved ones. We must continue to support their families, those injured, and the entire community of Oxford during this time of need."

On November 30, a student gunman opened fire at Oxford High School in Oakland County, killing Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling, and wounding six students and one teacher.

The State of Michigan remembers the students and teachers killed and injured and stands in solidarity with the community of Oxford 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.

In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, the federal government has also extended flag honors for former U.S. Senator Bob Dole through Saturday, December 11. The governor's flag honors for the tragedy in Oxford remain in place.

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 Monday, December 13.

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