Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has ordered all Alaska flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims of Sunday's mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, the deadliest in modern history in the U.S.
Walker's order follows a White House directive to lower U.S. flags until sunset on Thursday, June 16 to honor the victims of the attacks.
"Many of us are still in shock after this morning's attack in Orlando," Governor Walker said in a statement released Sunday. "This terrible act of violence has claimed more than 50 lives, and the effects reach beyond Florida. We here in Alaska stand with our fellow Americans against this act of terrorism."
More than 50 others were injured in the attack, reportedly carried out by a lone gunman early Sunday.
A prayer vigil in honor of the shooting victims was planned at the Park Strip in downtown Anchorage Sunday evening near First Presbyterian Church, located at 10th Avenue and G Street. The official vigil begins at 5:30 p.m., but the church remained open all day Sunday.
The program will include remarks by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, Chief of Police Chris Tolley and Drew Phoenix, Identity Inc. Executive Director Drew Phoenix.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.