Obama orders flags at half-staff in honor of shooting victims

President Obama ordered that American flags be flown at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday in honor of the victims of the Colorado movie theater shooting.

In a presidential proclamation released Friday by the White House, Obama said the gesture was intended "As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence."

Flags are flown at half-staff traditionally as a symbol of mourning. The president last ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day.

The president issued the proclamation shortly after returning to the White House from Florida, where he addressed the shooting at a previously scheduled campaign event. 

"If there was anything to take away from this tragedy it's the reminder that life is very fragile. Our time here is limited and it is precious,” Obama said. “What matters at the end of the day is not the small things. It's not the trivial things which so often consume us and our daily lives. Ultimately, it's how we treat one another and how we love one another.”

Later Friday afternoon, Obama plans to meet with members of his national security team. According to press secretary Jay Carney, those in attendance will include Vice President Biden, FBI Director Robert Mueller, Chief of Staff Jacob Lew, Homeland Security adviser John Brennan, White House counsel Kathy Ruemler and adviser Valerie Jarrett. Attorney General Eric Holder is out of the country, and so cannot attend.

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