(WWJ) In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex, and on all public buildings and grounds across the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor and remember the victims of the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
The order takes effect immediately on Thursday, October 26, and continues through sunset on Monday, October 30.
“In the wake of yet another unthinkable tragedy, our hearts go out to the people of Lewiston, Maine,” said Whitmer, in a statement.
“Michiganders know the pain and heartache Mainers are feeling all too well, and we stand with them during this difficult time. We owe it to the victims and their families, and to all who have lost loved ones to gun violence, to take action in every corner of this nation. We must come together to enact sensible gun safety measures and ensure that the constant threat of gun violence no longer defines us.”
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are also 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 Tuesday, October 31.
This comes after police said a gunman killed at least 18 people and injured more than a dozen others at a bar and grill and a bowling alley in Lewiston Wednesday night.
Officials have said the suspect, Robert Card, who used a high-powered rifle, remained at large as of Thursday afternoon. An arrest warrant for murder has been issued, and a manhunt is ongoing.
According to a law enforcement bulletin, who is enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, recently had reported mental health issues, including "hearing voices" and threats to shoot up the National Guard base in Saco, ME. It was also reported that Card was committed to a mental health facility over the summer, but was released.
At a news conference on Thursday, police declined to comment on a possible motive, or on how Card would have access to firearms considering his mental health history.
Stay tuned to continued updates on this story on WWJ Newsradio 950. To listen anywhere, anytime, download the free Audacy app and follow WWJ.