Gov. McMaster orders flags be lowered to honor victims of mass shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) — Governor Henry McMaster has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff across South Carolina through the weekend to honor the victims of Wednesday’s deadly mass shooting at a Minneapolis church school.

“Peggy and I join with South Carolinians and all those across the country in praying for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.

The order came after President Trump proclaimed Aug. 27 that the flag of the United States be lowered until sunset on August 31 as a sign of respect for those killed and wounded in the shooting and their families.

A 23-year-old shooter opened fire Wednesday morning from outside Annunciation Catholic School, killing two children and injuring 17 other people who were attending mass to celebrate the new school year. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, died by suicide, according to authorities.

Gov. McMaster directed that flags atop the state Capitol be flown at half-staff and requested that the flags over state buildings and buildings of the political subdivisions of the state be adjusted in accordance as well.