Why are flags in New Mexico at half-staff?

Mar. 21—Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order directing all United States and state flags to be flown at half-staff through sundown Monday in honor of Justin Hare, a New Mexico State Police officer who was fatally shot in the line of duty last week.

Hare was driving on Interstate 40 in the early morning hours on March 15 when he stopped to help a driver with a flat tire near Tucumcari. Police say the driver of the car — later identified as Jaremy Smith — shot Hare, pushed him to the passenger's seat and drove several miles before crashing the SUV on the side of the frontage road. Hare was taken to the hospital, and authorities tracked Smith, arresting him in Albuquerque two days later.

"Officer Hare exemplified extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication in serving and protecting his fellow New Mexicans," the governor said in the executive order.

Hare left behind his girlfriend and two daughters, with a third child on the way.