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Alabama official refused to lower flags after Orlando shooting

Alabama official refused to lower flags after Orlando shooting
Posted at 4:07 PM, Jun 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-19 11:13:33-04

BALDWIN CO., Ala. -- The U.S. flag is not flying at half-staff in one Alabama county, but it have should been.

President Obama ordered all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff through Thursday, "As a mark of respect for the victims of the act of hatred and terror perpetrated on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Florida."

Tucker Dorsey, the Chairman of the County Commission in Baldwin County, says lowering the flags after a mass shooting or terrorist event is not included in U.S. flag code.

Dorsey cites Section 175, paragraph (m), of the code which says, in part:

By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.

Dorsey took to Facebook to further explain his decision

USA Today reports that Cole County, Missouri, also chose not to lower their flags because, "lowering it too much takes away from the honor."  But after there were complaints, the decision was reversed.