Five days after four Marines were slaughtered at a recruiting center in Chattanooga and three days after a Navy sailor died from injuries at a Tennessee hospital, President Obama finally ordered flags at the White House, federal buildings around the country, military bases and U.S. government posts around the world to fly at half-staff.
"We honor their service. We offer our gratitude to the police officers and first responders who stopped the rampage and saved lives. We draw strength from yet another American community that has come together with an unmistakable message to those who would try and do us harm: We do not give in to fear. You cannot divide us. And you will not change our way of life," Obama said in a proclamation.
Five days is a lengthy period of time to wait for the move. In the past, the White House has quickly lower the flag after tragedies including Sandy Hook, the Navy Yard shooting and others. Within 24-hours of the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, the White House lights were turned into rainbow colors.
Over the weekend, President Obama was in New York City attending a DNC fundraiser and a Broadway play.