Gov. Cooper orders flags flown at half-staff honoring victims of San Jose shooting

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Gov. Roy Cooper ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff Wednesday evening till sunset on Sunday honoring the eight victims of the latest mass shooting in California.

Cooper called the shooting a "senseless act of violence" and that flags be lowered to honor the lives lost and in solidarity with the mourning families.
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"Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered immediately to half-staff until sunset on Sunday, May 30, 2021 honoring the victims of the tragedy in San Jose, California who lost their lives today to a senseless act of violence," the order wrote. "In tribute to the lives lost and the families in mourning all North Carolinians are encouraged to join in lowering flags to half-staff in their honor."

Nine people in total were killed, including the shooter, at a light-rail facility for the Valley Transportation Authority. A man wounded in the shooting is in critical condition at a local hospital, according to a spokesperson.

9 people dead in San Jose VTA rail yard shooting, including gunman


The incident is one of the latest mass killings as the nation emerges from coronavirus restrictions.
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At the White House, President Joe Biden also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and urged Congress to act on legislation to curb gun violence.



"Every life that is taken by a bullet pierces the soul of our nation. We can, and we must, do more," Biden said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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