In response to the tragic school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee on March 27, 2023, US President Joe Biden has ordered flags at the White House and all federal buildings to be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 31 as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence. In a written statement, President Biden expressed his condolences and stated that he also directs that the flag shall 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.
The Nashville school shooting claimed the lives of three young children and three adults, and President Biden described it as “a family’s worst nightmare.” He also reiterated his call for Congress to pass an assault weapons ban, recognizing the need for action to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.
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The perpetrator of the shooting, Audrey Hale, who was also known by the name ‘Aiden’ and identified as transgender, shot and killed three students and three teachers at The Covenant School in Nashville shortly before 10:30 am on March 27. Hale was later shot and killed by police.
The order to fly flags at half-staff serves as a reminder of the lives lost and the impact of gun violence in America. The president’s call to action reflects the urgent need to address this issue and prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.
