Governor Greg Abbott today ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives in the shooting in El Paso on Saturday, August 3, 2019.
Flags should remain at half-staff through sunset on Thursday, August 8, 2019.
The full statement from Governor Abbott read:
“The El Paso community was struck by a heinous and senseless act of violence today. Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific shooting and to the entire community in this time of loss. As such, it is fitting that flags should be lowered immediately to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives.
Therefore, pursuant to Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code, I direct the Texas flag be immediately lowered to half-staff statewide on Saturday, August 3, 2019, in memory of those who lost their lives. Flags should remain at half-staff through sunset on Thursday, August 8, 2019. Flags should be returned to full-staff on the following day.
Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of honor and respect.
The First Lady and I extend our prayers of comfort to the survivors and the families of the victims and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
General Instructions on the Proper Display of the Flag
The Texas Government Code directs the methods and means of displaying the Texas flag. In addition to state agencies, all individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties and political subdivisions are encouraged to fly their Texas and United States flags as a mark of respect and honor for Texas and the United States. Specific questions concerning the proper display of the flag should be answered by consulting Texas Government Code Chapter 3100.
Note that when the flag is to be displayed at half-staff, the flag should first be raised briskly to full-staff and then lowered slowly to half-staff.
Some entities maintain facilities that display other flags, pennants and banners (such as replicas of the six historic flags that have flown over Texas). Each entity is responsible for determining its own policy regarding these flags and adornments when flags are to be flown at half-staff, but note that no flag may fly higher than the Texas or United States flag. It is recommended that in displays such as those containing the six historic flags that have flown over Texas, when flags are ordered to half-staff, the Texas and United States flags should be flown at half-staff and the other flags be removed completely from the display for the duration of the time flags are at half-staff. State agencies or political subdivisions are not required to schedule employees to work non-usual hours for the sole purpose of flying the flags at half-staff.
