Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmerhas ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to honor and remember the students who lost their livesin the shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing that took place on February 13, 2023.

"A year ago today, every Spartan’s heart stood stillasour community was shatteredby a devastating act of gun violence," said Governor Whitmer. "Today we honor the memories of those we lost and hold each other close as we continue to grieve and process. We are—and always will be—Spartan Strong, butdays like today are hard for everyone. I encourage us all to give each other some grace and be there for one another. We will get through this together.”

The State of Michigan remembers the students who lost their lives and stands in solidarity with the Spartan community by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are 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 Wednesday, February 14, 2024