Biden orders national flag lowering to half-mast
US President Joe Biden has demanded that all flags in the country be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect for the victims of the recent shooting incident in Allen, Texas. In a written statement, Biden expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the 8 Americans who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. He also praised the first responders for their swift and courageous actions that helped save many lives.
The President said that law enforcement agencies at all levels of the government are working closely to investigate the attack and instructed federal agencies to offer all necessary support. Biden also emphasized that gun violence is the leading cause of death for American children and has already resulted in nearly 200 mass shootings across the US this year alone, causing 14,000 deaths.
Biden stated that there has been some progress in limiting arms sales, but more needs to be done to save lives. He called on Congress to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as to enact universal background checks.
According to the Texas State Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd, the suspect, who was captured dead, killed eight people and injured seven, including a five-year-old child. The flags, including representations abroad and navy ships, will remain at half-mast until sunset on May 11, 2023.
