First Post is calling this a hoax.

It might be, but its just as possible people saw something on social media, shared and reposted it, and suddenly wrong information took on a life of its own.

India’s 11th President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, recently died of a heart attack.

President Obama expressed his condolences.

At about the same time, flags were flying at half mast over the White House.

Someone tweeted out that it was in honor of Kalam.

That’s probable, but unfortunately it wasn’t true.

America's White-House Flag half-down in respect for Dr APJ Kalam .Proud tobe an INDIAN …….! pic.twitter.com/qtWhXVqCel — डा.सीमा (@seematripathi6) July 31, 2015

Others retweeted it or sent out tweets of their own.

First time in History of White House US Flag was kept half down in memory of Dr.Kalam!! pic.twitter.com/ahrw6Wp6hR — Mrs Sandesh (@sandeshmanroa) July 30, 2015

What a man what a personality!!!! White house flag down in respect for kalam sahab pic.twitter.com/aveL53QvfX — Gaurishankar Gaikwad (@Gaurishankar_84) July 29, 2015

The flags flying at half staff were in memory of those killed in the Chattanooga shooting.