Obama orders American flags to be flown at half-staff for victims of Oregon shooting; Washington state flags to be lowered too

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is ordering that American flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the mass shooting at an Oregon community college.

Obama signed the proclamation at the White House on Friday. He's directing flags to be lowered until sunset Tuesday.

The order applies to flags at the White House, public buildings, U.S. military installations and naval vessels, government facilities and U.S. embassies abroad.

Authorities say a 26-year-old gunman opened fire Thursday in a class at Umpqua Community College, killing nine and injuring nine others, before he was shot to death by police.

In addition, Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday ordered that Washington state and U.S. flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff immediately, in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Roseburg, Oregon.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Tuesday, October 6, Inslee said.

Inslee's office said other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.