Why are flags at half mast today?

The US flag flies at half-staff atop the White House in Washington, DC, on October 26, 2023 after a gunman killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

President Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for several days in remembrance of the 18 victims of Wednesday night's mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.

"As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, 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, October 30, 2023," Biden said in a proclamation on Thursday. 

He added: "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."

Also on Thursday, the president called on Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, among other gun control measures, following the "senseless and tragic" shooting.

"Once again, our nation is in mourning after yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting," Biden said in the statement. "Today, Jill and I are praying for the Americans who’ve lost their lives, for those still in critical care, and for the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief."

Biden then urged Republican lawmakers to "fulfill their duty to protect the American people" from gun violence.

"Work with us to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to enact universal background checks, to require safe storage of guns, and end immunity from liability for gun manufacturers," Biden said in the written statement released by the White House. "This is the very least we owe every American who will now bear the scars — physical and mental — of this latest attack."

Authorities said 18 people were killed and 13 more were wounded in shootings at the Schemengees Bar and Grille and a bowling alley on Wednesday night.