Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Victims of the Shooting at Illinois Fourth of July Parade

Press Release

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 Tuesday, July 5 through sunset on Saturday, July 9 to honor and remember the victims of the shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, IL.

"Michigan mourns today with our Midwestern neighbors in Highland Park, Illinois after the horrific shooting at their Fourth of July parade," said Governor Whitmer. "Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those who were killed, the dozens still in the hospital, and the entire community that has been impacted by this devastating act of violence. We are all still reeling from the tragedies in Oxford, Michigan, Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, and now on our Independence Day, yet another. We must work together to take commonsense action. For our families and communities, I will work with anyone to reduce gun violence and save lives."

On Monday, seven parade goers were killed and dozens were wounded in a shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, IL. After a manhunt involving several law enforcement agencies, the suspected shooter was taken into custody.

The State of Michigan remembers the victims and stands in solidarity with the community of Highland Park, IL 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 Sunday, July 10, 2022.

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