U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered U.S. state flags be flown at half-mast after a shooting at a private Christian grade school in Nashville, the White House said in a proclamation.

The president, who said this was to show respect for the victims, described the shooting as “senseless.”

“Flags should be flown at half-mast 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, March 31, 2023.

“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 military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”

Nashville police chief, John Drake, said during a news conference that the police had identified the apparent perpetrator of the shooting as a 28-year-old female, Audrey Hale.

Ms Hale identified as a transgender person believed to previously attended the school, Mr Drake added.

The shooting left three children below the age of 10 years dead, as well as three adults. One of the victims, Katherine Koonce, is listed as head of the school on the institution’s website.

Ms Hale was also killed by police who responded to the shooting. 

(Sputnik/NAN)