Trump lowers flags for newspaper shooting victims after initial refusal

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday agreed to lower flags for victims of a shooting last week, after coming under fire for the initial reluctance to do so.

"Our nation shares the sorrow of those affected by the shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland," Trump said in a statement released by the White House press office, directing that US flags at public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff until sunset Tuesday.

Trump said the gesture is "a mark of solemn respect for the victims" of the shooting that killed five people.

The decision came after US media reported Monday that Trump had turned down a request from the mayor of Annapolis.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed, you know? ... Is there a cutoff for tragedy?" Mayor Gavin Buckley told local media of his request.

"This was an attack on the press. It was an attack on freedom of speech. It's just as important as any other tragedy," Buckley said.

Buckley said due to the White House's previous decision, he didn't order US flags in Annapolis to be lowered, as it may risk "polarizing people".

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has ordered Maryland state flags to be lowered to half-staff from Friday through sunset on Monday.

The shooting on Thursday was one of the most deadly attacks against journalists in the United States. The suspect, identified as Jarrod Ramos, is a 38-year-old white male who sued the newspaper six years ago and lost, police said.

Ramos has been accused of shooting five people dead on Thursday at the Capital Gazette office in Annapolis, capital of Maryland. Two others suffered superficial wounds during the shooting, possibly from broken glass.