Flags lowered at White House, Capitol

Following a declaration by President Obama, American flags at the White House and U.S. Capitol have been lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of last night's shootings in Aurora, Colorado.

This afternoon, Mr. Obama ordered flags to be flown at half-staff or half-mast at the White House, all public buildings, military posts, naval stations, naval vessels, and U.S. facilities abroad until July 25. In his proclamation, the president said the action was being taken "[a]s a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on July 20, 2012."

The president led a moment of silencefor the victims earlier today.