WASHINGTON, D.C. (KRON/AP) — The U.S. flag atop the White House was lowered to half-staff on Tuesday in honor of the five service members who were killed in last week’s shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
President Barack Obama issued the order to lower the flag, following similar moves at the U.S. Capitol.
Under the order, U.S. flags at all public buildings and grounds, including military posts, will fly at half-staff until sunset Saturday.
Four Marines and one Navy sailor were killed during Thursday’s shootings by 24-year-old Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez at two military sites.
President Obama on Tuesday again vowed that the U.S. will keep doing everything in its power to protect American military members. Speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Pittsburgh, the president said the nation is drawing strength from Chattanooga as it sends an unmistakable message that the U.S. won’t give in to fear or attempts to change the American way of life.
The president said the Islamic State group and al-Qaida have encouraged attacks on U.S. soil, including against U.S. troops, and said the country must remain vigilant in protecting the homeland. But he acknowledged that small terrorist cells and so-called “lone wolves” are hard to prevent.