The bill that would restrict turf on new government facilities failed in the Senate this afternoon with a 14 to 10 vote on Friday, March 3, 2023. (Utah State Capitol complex. Paul Nelson, file)
SALT LAKE CITY — State facilities across Utah will lower both the U.S. and state flags to honor the victims from a string of shootings that killed eight people, seven of whom were women and six of Asian descent. Gov. Spencer Cox authorized the lowering of the flags Thursday afternoon, leaving the proclamation in effect until Monday evening.
The proclamation also encourages private citizens and businesses to lower flags as well.
The local ordinance reflects an order by President Joe Biden that lowers flags to half-staff at the White House, as well as “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 Monday evening.
The lowering of the flag comes in response to a string of shooting at three Atlanta spas earlier this week, that left eight dead and one critically injured. A motive has not yet been identified.