US President Joe Biden has ordered US flags to be flown at half mast at government buildings, military installations and diplomatic missions until May 28 in memory of the victims of the Texas elementary school shooting. The corresponding order was issued by the press service of the White House on May 24.
“I order that the flags of the United States be flown at half mast at the White House, <…> as well as all government buildings and grounds <…> until sunset on May 28, 2022,” Biden said in a statement.
In addition, the American leader expressed his condolences in connection with the death of more than 20 people in an elementary Texas school.
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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced the president’s intention to make a statement upon his return to the United States from an Asian tour.
A shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas came to light earlier in the day. According to the latest data, the victims were 18 children and three adults. It was also clarified that among the victims were two law enforcement officers, as well as about 15 children.
According to the governor of Texas, an 18-year-old high school student in Uvalde opened the shooting. Presumably, it was eliminated by the police who arrived at the scene. It was also noted that before opening fire in an educational institution, the shooter killed his 66-year-old grandmother.
According to the National Center for Counter-Terrorism Operations, at the moment there are no grounds to consider the incident a terrorist act. Local security agencies actively cooperate with federal, state and regional partners.