Why Flags Are at Half-Mast Across Four States Today

Flags are being lowered in four states Tuesday to honor the victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse as well as a firefighting veteran of 19 years, a police officer who died in the line of duty and a congressman who led efforts to improve domestic violence and sexual assault prosecutions.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has ordered the state flag to be lowered to half-staff until further notice in recognition of the victims who died last Tuesday in Baltimore's bridge collapse.

Eight construction workers were filling potholes on the bridge when it was hit by a container ship. Searchers have recovered the bodies of Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, on Wednesday. Four others remain missing and are presumed dead. Two workers were rescued.

The Dali, a nearly 1,000-foot-long vessel, hit one of the bridge's support columns at around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, causing the entire structure to snap apart in several places and fall into the Patapsco River. Moore ordered state flags to be lowered on the day of the crash.

Arizona

In Arizona, Tucson lead police officer Adam Buckner, who died in the line of duty on Sunday, will be honored Tuesday. Buckner, 31, was killed in a car crash while responding to a call. Tucson authorities said the driver of another vehicle had failed to yield, leading to the collision.

Buckner succumbed to his injuries at Banner - University Medical Center. The Erik Hite Foundation is collecting donations for his family.

Buckner served with the Tucson Police Department for over two years and the New Orleans Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife, mother, brothers and sisters.

Governor Katie Hobbs has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff in his memory. "We mourn the sudden loss of Officer Buckner, and our thoughts are with his family and the entire community of Tucson," she said.

"This is a solemn reminder of the selfless service of officers and first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe."

Massachusetts

The U.S. flag will be lowered at state buildings in Massachusetts for former Democratic Representative William Delahunt.

Delahunt, 82, died on Saturday at his home in Quincy. He served for 14 years in the House, representing Massachusetts' 10th Congressional District from 1997 to 2011.

Delahunt served as district attorney in Norfolk County for more than 20 years and founded the country's first prosecutorial unit on domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered the U.S. flag to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Saturday, the day of internment.

"Congressman William Delahunt was a remarkable public servant who helped transform Massachusetts — especially Southeastern Massachusetts — at the local, state and federal levels," Healy said. "His approach is proof of the progress we are able to make when we bring people together."

She continued: "Congressman Delahunt leaves a lasting legacy of integrity, compassion and collaboration. He will be sorely missed by many, and my thoughts are with his family and all who knew and loved him."

North Carolina

In North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper has ordered flags to be lowered on Tuesday for Lexington Fire Captain Ronnie Metcalf.

Metcalf, a Lexington Fire Department veteran of 19 years, died last Friday after suffering major burn injuries when responding to a house fire the previous Tuesday morning.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. A GiveinKind page has been set up to support his family.

Cooper has ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be flown at half-mast on Tuesday.

"I was saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Lexington Fire Captain Ronnie Metcalf," the governor said. "He served the Lexington community with honor and distinction for many years, and my prayers and gratitude for his life are with his friends and loved ones at this time."