Connecticut Governor Orders Flags Lowered After Minneapolis School Shooting

Connecticut is pausing once again to honor victims of gun violence, this time in Minneapolis. Governor Ned Lamont has ordered all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff through Sunday, following a national directive from President Donald Trump.

This gesture comes after a devastating school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. Two young students, ages 8 and 10, lost their lives, and 17 others—including 14 children—were injured.

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The tragedy has drawn emotional statements from state leaders. Calls for urgent action against gun violence have grown louder.

Governor Lamont’s Response to the Minneapolis School Shooting

Governor Ned Lamont called the shooting “devastating.” He said schools and places of worship should be sanctuaries, not scenes of violence.

Lamont’s directive will be observed across Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Norwalk, Waterbury, and every other Connecticut municipality until sunset on Sunday. Flags will be lowered at the Connecticut State Capitol, state-operated facilities, and other government sites.

Lamont also encouraged towns and cities across the state—like Bridgeport, Danbury, and Middletown—to join in. He asked private businesses, schools, and community organizations to participate in the half-staff tribute as well.

It’s a statewide act of solidarity. Connecticut wants to honor the young lives lost and show compassion for those injured and grieving.

Call for Unity in Mourning

The tragedy in Minneapolis hits hard in Connecticut, where memories of Sandy Hook remain vivid. Lowering the flags serves as both a sign of mourning and a collective reminder of the work ahead to prevent future losses.

Voices from Connecticut Leadership

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz expressed heartbreak, saying parents shouldn’t have to fear for their children’s safety at school. She urged federal action, warning that without real reform, tragedies like Minneapolis will keep happening.

Bysiewicz’s remarks echoed what families, educators, and advocates in places like Torrington, Groton, and West Hartford have been saying. School safety stays at the top of their minds. Calls for reform reach both state and national lawmakers, pressing them to address gun violence as a public health crisis.

A Nationwide Show of Respect

Lamont’s flag-lowering order mirrors President Trump’s proclamation. Connecticut joins other states in sending a message of empathy and unity.

From coastal towns like Mystic to urban centers like Bridgeport, lowered flags will stand as a visual reminder of lives lost far too soon.

Remembering the Victims and Supporting the Survivors

Authorities in Minneapolis said the shooting happened during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School. Two elementary students died instantly, leaving their families and school community shattered.

The 17 injured victims—many of them children—are getting medical care. Their recoveries may be long and difficult.

In Connecticut, faith leaders, educators, and residents in Norwich, Bristol, and Fairfield have offered condolences and prayers for the victims’ families. Many churches and schools plan remembrance services this week, following the governor’s call for solidarity.

How Connecticut Residents Can Participate

Governor Lamont’s office encourages everyone to take part by lowering private flags through Sunday. Other ways to honor the victims include:

Lowering flags at homes, schools, and businesses
Lighting candles during evening vigils
Holding moments of silence at community gatherings
Supporting local nonprofits focused on violence prevention

Looking Forward with Resolve

The half-staff order won’t last forever, but Connecticut leaders hope it sparks real conversations and pushes lawmakers to act. They’re focused on finding ways to protect kids and stop tragedies before they happen.

The loss in Minneapolis hits hard, even in towns like Stamford and Enfield. Parents and teachers everywhere are asking what else they can do to keep schools safe.

As flags dip across Connecticut, they’re not just about grief. They’re reminders of a shared promise—kids deserve to feel safe at school.

From Hartford’s Capitol dome to tiny rural town halls, that message rings out. We mourn together, sure, but we also try to heal and keep working for something better.

Here is the source article for this story: Governor calls for lowering of flags in CT after shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school

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