Washington: US President Donald Trump has ordered all American flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and across public buildings until sunset on Sunday, August 31, in honour of the victims of a mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others, children and adults, were injured when a gunman opened fire during a school mass on Wednesday morning. Police said 7 of the wounded remain in critical condition.

The shooter, identified as a man in his early 20s, entered the school armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol before opening fire. He later died from self-inflicted wounds, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed.

“I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset, August 31, 2025,” the White House said in a statement.

Trump extended the directive to US facilities abroad, ordering flags lowered at embassies, consulates, and military installations worldwide.

The president earlier said he was in close contact with law enforcement and praised the swift response of the FBI. “The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also expressed grief and called for stronger action against gun violence. “All of our kids should be able to go to school or church or anywhere without the fear of gun violence. Don’t just say we need thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally in a church praying. Think of them as your own,” he posted on X.

IANS