US flag at White House flown at half-staff amid false 'Trump is dead' rumors, but here's why

WASHINGTON, DC: When the United States flag was lowered to half-staff at the White House and across all federal buildings, some online speculated it was tied to baseless rumors of President Donald Trump’s death.

However, the reason for the half-staff flag was an announcement made by Donald Trump himself, following the tragic incident that unfolded in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 27.

US flags flown at half-staff as tribute to Minneapolis shooting victims

Several X users claimed that the US flag at the White House was flown at half-mast and linked it to reports of Donald Trump skipping a cabinet meeting. There were also claims that he had not been seen for "several" days, leading to phrases like "It Happened" and "Trump is Dead" trending online.

However, the reason for the flags being flown at half-staff was unrelated to the POTUS. In fact, Trump himself announced that US flags would be lowered as a mark of respect. Notably, flying a flag at half-staff means lowering it to about the middle of the flagpole to express grief, respect, or mourning, especially after a death or major tragedy.

The tradition originated from naval customs and symbolizes a nation’s sorrow, often after the passing of important leaders or during days of remembrance. Traditionally, the flag isn’t placed exactly halfway down but slightly above, to leave room for the "invisible flag of death" above it.

Following the Minneapolis school shooting, President Donald Trump ordered that the American flag be flown at half-staff across all federal buildings and installations until sunset on August 31. 

Minneapolis mass shooting kills two children

On Wednesday, a 23-year-old transgender, Robin Westman, opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, killing two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Myoski, and injuring 18 others. The shooter was later found dead, and officials said the death was due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Recent reports revealed that Westman had a history of mental health struggles, including a call to their home during their teenage years related to a mental health concern. These revelations came after a series of disturbing YouTube videos and a manifesto posted online were found, in which Westman expressed deep personal turmoil.

According to a search warrant, the Minneapolis school shooter had been driving a van registered to their father.

Authorities found the shooter’s body behind the church, dressed in black tactical gear, and two firearms, believed to be long guns, were recovered beside the body. 

Meanwhile, a subsequent search of Westman's father’s home uncovered a Condor tactical vest with various attachments "not related to law enforcement or security," along with two external media storage devices and other documents.

The shooter’s father revealed to police that Westman had recently gone through a breakup "with a significant and/or romantic partner" and had been staying at a friend’s home.

He added that the shooter once attended Annunciation School and that the shooter’s mother, his former spouse, had previously worked there.