In the wake of the mass shooting early Sunday morning at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Gov. Bill Walker ordered that all Alaska flags be lowered in honor of the victims.
In the attack, a gunman opened fire on the Pulse nightclub, killing at least 50 people and injuring at least 53 more. The suspected gunman reportedly died as well. It is reported to be the worst attack in the United States since September 11, 2001.
The order from Walker followed a directive from the White House to lower all U.S. flags nationally in remembrance. Walker issued a press release following the shooting.
“Many of us are still in shock after this morning’s attack in Orlando,” Walker said. “This terrible act of violence has claimed more than 50 lives, and the effects reach beyond Florida. We here in Alaska stand with our fellow Americans against this act of terrorism.”
All United States and Alaska flags are to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Thursday, June 16.
Wesley Early covers Anchorage life and city politics for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at wearly@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @wesley_early. Read more about Wesley here.
