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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has ordered flags to fly at half-staff on state property to honor those killed or wounded in the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The Republican issued an executive order Monday for flags to be lowered until sunset Thursday.

He says people in Mississippi are praying for “the victims of hatred and terror” and for their families.

Bryant’s order follows one by President Barack Obama for flags to fly half-staff on federal property.

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