Gurudwara shooting: US flags to fly at half-staff

To honour victims of the shooting inside a gurudwara in Wisconsin, United States President Barack Obama has ordered that the American flags be flown at half-staff at all the US government buildings and its diplomatic missions overseas till August 10.

"As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence in Oak Creek, Wisconsin,... I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, August 10, 2012," said a proclamation issued by the US president.

"I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations," the statement said.

On August 5, six persons were killed and three critically injured when a gunman opened fire inside a gurudwara in Wisconsin as the congregation was making preparations for Sunday morning prayers.

Meanwhile, the US's move to honour victims of the shooting incident was welcomed by the Sikh Americans.

"This is a kind gesture by the leader of our nation. It certainly sends a powerful signal to the world that this nation mourns the Sikh victims who have been killed in a dastardly acts of violence motivated by hate and prejudice," Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Washington-based Sikh Council on Religion and Education, said.

"Ordering the flying of US flags at half-staff at the White House and all buildings representing the US government is a great way to honour the victims and it represents the collective spirit of this nation," he said.

"It conveys the strong message that this is an American tragedy not just a Sikh tragedy. We also pray for the police officers who put their lives in danger to save others," Singh said.