President Barack Obama is ordering the American flag lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims of the shootings in Aurora, Colo.

The president’s order extends to the White House, all public buildings and grounds, all U.S. military posts and U.S. diplomatic offices abroad.

The order will remain in effect until the sun sets on July 25, next Wednesday.

And Governor Sam Brownback following the President’s lead has also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Kansas from sun-up to sun-down until sunset on July 25, 2012. The Governor issued the statement Friday afternoon after he issued the order.

“Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated in Aurora, Colorado,” Governor Brownback said. “The entire nation mourns the loss of the innocent victims.”

12 killed, 59 wounded in Colo. theater shooting is the latest number.

Police say the gunman opened fire on patrons at a suburban Denver movie theater early this morning during midnight shows of the new Batman movie. Twelve people died, ten of them at the theater. Two others died at the hospital.

Authorities have started to remove the bodies of the 10 people killed at the theater.

Another 59 adults and children were wounded.

Aurora police say victims are still being identified and not all the families have been notified.

Police arrested 24-year-old James Holmes, whose apartment four miles away was booby trapped.

Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates says investigators are confident the gunman acted alone.

Oates says Holmes wore body armor, used an assault rifle, a shotgun and a Glock handgun.

He says Holmes’ car was parked in back of the theater.

*The Associated Press contributed to this report.