Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff Sunday for the Anniversary of the Tragedy in Sandy Hook

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in remembrance of the twenty children and six adults who were killed thirteen years ago in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.

"This tragedy thirteen years ago is one of the worst to ever occur in Connecticut, and our hearts will forever be with the twenty innocent children who were taken all too soon and the six devoted educators who lost their lives protecting the students they heroically guarded," Governor Lamont said. "Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the courage and strength of our school teachers and faculty, the ongoing need to dedicate ourselves to being sources of love and humanity, and our collective responsibility to work toward a more peaceful, kind, and hopeful world."

"Thirteen years ago, Connecticut faced the most tragic day in our state's history as we lost the lives of twenty children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School," Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. "This event continues to cause shared grief and heartbreak for us all more than a decade later. In their memory, we continue to honor the innocent lives lost by carrying ourselves with kindness and generosity, not only on December 14, but every day of the year. To their friends, family, and survivors, I keep you in my prayers and wish you comfort."

To receive email alerts anytime the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.