United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities will be flying at half-staff May 15 in North Carolina in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Yearly on May 15, the day recognizes men and women in law enforcement who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty.

Gov. Roy Cooper made a statement on the lowering of flags in an May 14 news release.

“Today, we honor the memories and sacrifices of brave law enforcement officers in North Carolina,” Cooper said. “We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who risk their own safety to protect our communities.”

More: Charlotte, North Carolina shootout leaves 4 officers dead, 4 officers injured; What we know

Why are the flags at half-staff in North Carolina?

Cooper ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in observance of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The holiday, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, is intended to be a celebration of members of law enforcement who are slain or injured on the job. President Joe Biden commented on the holiday in a May 10 news release.

“We recognize the incredible courage of our Nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay,” Biden said.

How long will flags be at half-staff?

U.S. and N.C. flags will be flown at half-staff beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, May 15, in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day and ending at sunset the same day.

More: Vance Monument removal resumes in Asheville

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

Usa.gov states that the American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

An American flag flying at half-staff generally indicates one of these three things:

1. The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder.
2. A national tragedy.
3. Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.

Where will flags be flown at half-staff?

Cooper ordered all state facilities in N.C. to fly flags at half-staff.

While only state facilities are ordered to lower flags, the news release encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions to fly flags at half-staff for the day to celebrate fallen and injured law enforcement officers.

More: Aurora borealis was dazzling. Will northern lights be visible in Asheville, NC again soon?

Is it half-mast or half-staff?

Previous reporting from Memphis Commercial Appeal explained that flags are flown at half-mast on ships and at naval stations ashore, and at half-staff elsewhere.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Some North Carolina voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide on the Republican primary run-offs.

Nearly 500,000 voters in Wake County are eligible to vote in the second primary. This includes registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters who voted Republican in the primary or did not cast a ballot in March.

Several key statewide contests are on the ballot, including:

• Republican nomination lieutenant governor: Hal Weatherman, Jim O’Neill
• Republican nomination for state auditor: Jack Clark, Dave Boliek

There is a runoff for the 13th congressional seat, including six counties and parts of Wake and Granville counties. It was supposed to be a heated race, but Kelley Daughtry dropped out after Former president Donald Trump endorsed Brad Knot.

North Carolina State Board of Elections recently shared that fewer than one percent of eligible voters have taken part in the second primary so far.

More than 1.8 million registered North Carolinians voted in the primary, a 24% turnout, according to a press release.

“There’s still time to make your voice heard,” Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the State Board of Elections, said. “All too often we see low voter turnout in second primary elections yet votes cast in these contests will decide the nominee in the Republican Party for the general election in these particular contests.

Polls are open Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A North Carolina man is behind bars after he allegedly stabbed his girlfriend and then poured fuel all over her before lighting their home on fire, WBTV reported.

Just before 1 a.m., on Friday, WBTV reported that the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office was called out to a home for a possible arson and stabbing.

Upon arrival, deputies found a mobile home on fire.

Detectives told WBTV that they believed Tamra Marie Clemans was at her home with her boyfriend, James Joseph Gunnerson, 48, when they got into an argument.

MINNESOTA WOMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING 2 CHILDREN, SETTING HOUSE ON FIRE

During the course of the argument, detectives said Gunnerson allegedly stabbed Clemans, poured fuel all over her body and the home – then lit them on fire.

Clemans was able to escape and seek shelter at a neighbor’s home, deputies told WBTV. She was seriously injured and airlifted to a burn center, where she remains in critical condition. 

GEORGIA MAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING LAW STUDENT, SETTING FIRE TO APARTMENT IN 23-YEAR-OLD COLD CASE DENIED BOND

Gunnerson was charged with first-degree arson and attempted first-degree murder, according to Forsyth County jail records.  (Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office)

Fire crews stated that they found Gunnerson hiding in the backyard, armed with a knife. Deputies allegedly had to Taze him “numerous” times to take him into custody, WBTV reported. 

Gunnerson was also burned and required treatment. He was arrested after he was released from the hospital and charged with first-degree arson and attempted first-degree murder, according to Forsyth County jail records. 

He is being held without bond. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office for comment.