Honoring Gerald McCormick
By order of the Governor, flags at the State Capitol shall be flown at half-staff effective from sunrise on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 until sunset on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in memory of former State Representative Gerald McCormick who passed away on December 11, 2025 at the age of 63. Representative McCormick served as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2004 until 2018 and as Majority Leader starting in 2011.
Honoring Ella Cook
TO: Alabama State Agencies
FROM: Governor Kay Ivey
DATE: Monday, December 15, 2025
RE: Flags Lowered in Memory of Shooting Victim Ella Cook of Alabama
I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff effective immediately on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the state of Alabama until sunset, Friday, December 19, 2025, in memory of Ella Cook of Mountain Brook who lost her life at the hands of a shooter at Brown University.
On Saturday evening, December 13, 2025, two students were murdered and many more were injured during a shooting on the campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Among those who lost their lives was Alabama native Ella Cook, a 19-year-old Brown University sophomore from Mountain Brook. She was much beloved in her community, her church and among her classmates at Brown University. Her pastor, Rev. Craig Smalley of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham observed, “She was an incredible, grounded, faithful bright light… Not only here, growing up here at the Advent and myriad ways in which she served faithfully and the ways she encouraged and lifted up those around her, but at Brown University, she was an incredible light in that particular place as well.” As all of Alabama wraps our arms around Ella’s family in prayer, I also join in mourning her loss.
Accordingly, I direct all flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the state of Alabama may be flown at half-staff effective immediately until sunset, Friday, December 19, 2025, in memory of Ella Cook of Mountain Brook.
KI/ml
Honoring Brown University Shooting Victims
Governor McKee Directs Flags to Half-Staff
to Honor of the Victims of Brown University Shooting
December 14, 2025 – undetermined
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee has ordered Rhode Island flags at all state buildings and facilities to be lowered to half-staff as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the tragic shooting at Brown University.
“My heart is with the victims, the families, the Brown University community, and the brave law enforcement officials who responded to this horrific attack,” said Governor Dan McKee. “In the face of tragedy, Rhode Island will do what we do best: come together with compassion and resolve to support one another.”
Governor McKee also asks Rhode Islanders to lower their flags as a sign of respect.
Honoring Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torrestovar
Dec 15th through the final day of interment (undetermined)
Honoring Former Representative Billie Ray “Bill” McCreary
TOPEKA – Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags throughout Harper and Sumner counties be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to honor the passing of former State Representative Billie Ray “Bill” McCreary.
“Former Representative McCreary’s storied legacy is that of a dedicated public servant,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “He chose to serve his community, state, and country in every role he held throughout his life – as a paratrooper and Staff Sergeant in the military, an entrepreneur, a grocer, and finally, a legislator. My condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/3ff6ccb
Remembrance of Sandy Hook Tragedy
Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff Sunday for the Anniversary of the Tragedy in Sandy Hook
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in remembrance of the twenty children and six adults who were killed thirteen years ago in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.
“This tragedy thirteen years ago is one of the worst to ever occur in Connecticut, and our hearts will forever be with the twenty innocent children who were taken all too soon and the six devoted educators who lost their lives protecting the students they heroically guarded,” Governor Lamont said. “Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the courage and strength of our school teachers and faculty, the ongoing need to dedicate ourselves to being sources of love and humanity, and our collective responsibility to work toward a more peaceful, kind, and hopeful world.”
“Thirteen years ago, Connecticut faced the most tragic day in our state’s history as we lost the lives of twenty children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “This event continues to cause shared grief and heartbreak for us all more than a decade later. In their memory, we continue to honor the innocent lives lost by carrying ourselves with kindness and generosity, not only on December 14, but every day of the year. To their friends, family, and survivors, I keep you in my prayers and wish you comfort.”
Flags Lowered for Lt. James White
In honor of the life and service of Lieutenant James “Bryan” White of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Madison and Clark counties and at all Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation facilities on December 9, 2025. Lieutenant White began his law enforcement career with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. He later joined the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Following his time with BCI, White was an officer with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division until his death. All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may lower at their discretion for the same time period.
Former State Superintendent Judy Catchpole
Governor Gordon Statement on the Passing of Former State Superintendent Judy Catchpole
December 04, 2025
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) ordered the lowering of both flags today and issued a statement mourning the death of former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Judy Catchpole.
Catchpole, who served from 1995–2003, led major education reforms that shaped Wyoming’s modern school system, including academic standards, student assessments, teacher-certification updates, and early charter-school policy. A lifelong advocate for children, she continued her leadership long after leaving office through UW advisory boards, literacy initiatives, and statewide education committees.
“Judy Catchpole devoted her life to Wyoming’s kids, and our state is better because of her steady leadership and wholehearted service,” Governor Gordon said. “Jennie and I treasured our friendship with Judy and Glenn. We will miss her deeply and hold Glenn and their family in our prayers.”
Funeral details will be shared by the family. The flags will remain at half staff until sundown on the day of interment.
Update: 12/11/2025 – Funeral set for 1/5/2026 (source: https://www.bustardcares.com/obituaries/judith-catchpole)
Honoring Former State Representative Fred Durhal Jr.
Dec 5th through (to be determined).
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, December 5 to honor and remember former state Representative Fred Durhal Jr. The flag lowering will coincide with the date of the funeral. [Full text continues with background on Representative Durhal’s service]
Honoring State Senator Faith Winter
Dec 5th through (to be determined).
Faith was a steady, compassionate, and fierce advocate for all families in Colorado. From her time as an environmental advocate to her leadership in the halls of the State Capitol, Faith’s dedication improved the lives of all Coloradans. I order all flags to be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow Friday December 5, 2025 in honor of Senator Faith Winter, who made immeasurable contributions to the State of Colorado through her years of relentless advocacy for women, families, and our beautiful state.