Lansing, MI - On Wednesday, August 3, 2022, in accordance with 4 USC 7(m), Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be immediately lowered to half-staff from now until midnight on Thursday, August 4 to honor and remember U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski who was killed in a car crash along with two members of her staff earlier Wednesday.
“Congresswoman Walorski represented her district with distinction for years both in the statehouse and in the United State Congress, and our thoughts are with her family, friends, and constituents,” said Governor Whitmer. “We also mourn the loss of Zach Potts and Emma Thomson, dedicated members of her staff who embodied the spirit of public service. I have lowered flags in Michigan to honor their memory.”
U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. Congresswoman Walorski was first elected to Congress in 2012, where she most recently served as the ranking member of the House Ethics Committee. Prior to serving in Congress, she served three terms in the Indiana Statehouse. Congresswoman Walorski passed away on Wednesday, August 3 at 58 years old.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff on Friday, August 5 unless otherwise notified.