(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that – in accordance with a proclamation from President Donald Trump ordering flags throughout the United States to be lowered as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota – he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff effective immediately and remain lowered through sunset on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
“The reports from Minneapolis regarding a mass shooting during a back-to-school mass at Annunciation Catholic Church are devastating,” Governor Lamont said. “Schools and churches should be places of learning, healing, and solidarity. We are grieving with everyone impacted by this disgusting act of violence.”
“As we should be celebrating the return of school, we are watching the heartbreaking headlines coming out of Minneapolis,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “My heart is breaking for the victims, their families, the community, and our nation as parents will fear sending kids off to school, where they should be safest. This has to stop. It is past time for comprehensive, meaningful, federal action. If we do not take a stand, gun violence will continue to plague our nation, killing our kids.”
In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.
To receive email alerts anytime the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.