Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. flags were lowered to half-staff across the nation in honor of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed in a politically motivated attack earlier that day. The White House issued a presidential proclamation directing all federal and public grounds to observe the mourning period from September 10 through sunset on September 14.
President Trump praised Kirk’s activism and legacy, calling his death a tragedy and a reminder of the risks faced by political figures in the current climate. However, the directive to lower flags has sparked controversy, with some jurisdictions opting not to follow the presidential order.
NEW: On September 8th, WA Gov Bob Ferguson sent out a directive for flags to be flown at half staff for the 9/11 anniversary
Yesterday, after President Trump’s order to lower flags at half mast for Charlie Kirk, Ferguson added the order is also for Democrats killed in June… pic.twitter.com/IT9NcZ7FI7
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) September 11, 2025
Although the U.S. Flag Code outlines procedures for displaying the flag, it is not legally binding, allowing state and local governments discretion in how they observe such directives. Social media users and conservative commentators pointed out that flags in Los Angeles and the state of New Jersey remained at full staff, prompting accusations of political bias.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued his own directive, modifying the presidential order to include recognition for other recent victims of political violence. Ferguson’s statement referenced Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were killed in June, and Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were injured in the same attack. Ferguson’s order came months after the incident, raising questions among some critics about the timing.
🚨Bergen County New Jersey REFUSING to fly flags at half mast to honor Charlie Kirk
The President ordered flags to be flown at half mast until Sunday. Not to mention it’s the day after 9/11
Bergen County, which is entirely controlled by DEMOCRATS, are flying it full mast at… pic.twitter.com/ZryXlkG9Xi
— Michael Casey (@MichaelCasey_) September 12, 2025
In Los Angeles, internal communications from city departments, including the fire department, confirmed that city flags would remain at full staff unless directed otherwise by Mayor Karen Bass. Similarly, Bergen County, New Jersey, cited its adherence to state-level flag status, which remained at full staff as of Friday.
Governor Phil Murphy’s office has not publicly commented on the matter, but state guidance continues to list all flags as full-staff, a decision some conservative figures have called political.
The refusal of some jurisdictions to comply with the flag-lowering order has fueled broader debate about political polarization, national unity, and the role of local governments in observing federal directives—particularly during periods of mourning.