President orders flags be flown at half staff in memory of Tennessee victims

UPDATE: July 21, 2015 12:38 am

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama orders flags flown at half-staff in honor of service members killed in Chattanooga shooting.

His proclamation reads in part:

I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, July 25, 2015. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. “

EARLIER: July 21, 2015 11:57 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — The flags at the U.S. Capitol were lowered to half-staff on Tuesday to honor the five service members killed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, last week.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner said in a statement that as Congress returned to session on Tuesday, the flags were lowered for the Navy sailor and four Marines killed.

McConnell said America continues to mourn the men, and the thoughts of the Senate are with their families and loved ones as well as all service members who serve around the world.

The shooting occurred at two military facilities.

Separately, Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas called on President Barack Obama to lower flags to half-staff to honor the service members. Thornberry is the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.