Here’s Why Illinois Governor Has Ordered U.S. Flags Fly Half-Staff

When you're driving around the Land of Lincoln and notice that U.S. Flags are currently lowered around the state, here's the reason.

Governor Pritzker Activates Illinois Flag Display Act

The Illinois Flag Display Act allows the Governor to order flags to be lowered to half-staff when an "Illinois member of the armed forces, police force, fire service and other groups covered by the Act are killed in the line of duty."

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According to a press release from the Governor's office, all U.S. and Illinois flags have been ordered to fly at half-staff beginning today (Thursday 10/26) through sunset this Monday, October 30 to honor "the victims of the senseless gun violence that occurred on October 25, 2023 in Lewiston, Maine."

Latest on Shooting in Maine

At the time this article was published, there were 18 killed in the shooting and at least 13 wounded according to reports from AP.

The shooting happened in a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, according to the Associated Press.

What's the difference between half-staff and half-mast?

According to USHistory.org, the term half-staff is used when lowering the flag over land, and while they've been used interchangeably, half-mast is more commonly used when lowering the flag at sea.

You can find out when the flag is lowered to half-staff nationally on Twitter by clicking HERE.