Flags To Fly at Half-Staff Today For Charlie Kirk

Flags across the United States will be flying at half-staff today and throughout this weekend following the death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

Why It Matters

Kirk, 31, was shot dead on September 10 while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, a public university in the city of Orem. After announcing his death on Truth Social last night, President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. Officials and figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the shooting.

“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half-Mast until Sunday evening at 6 p.m.,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

The term half-staff – also known as half-mast – refers to flying a flag partway down a flagpole or ship’s mast. In many countries, this serves as a sign of mourning and respect for those who have died.

What To Know

Several lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, have ordered state government buildings to follow the Trump order.

Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania issued a statement for flags in the Keystone State to fly at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis, also a Democrat, has done the same.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox posted on X, formerly Twitter, that flags will remain lowered until Sunday evening at “all state facilities in recognition of the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk.”

In Arizona, where Kirk lived with his wife and two young children, Governor Katie Hobbs has ordered flags be flown in “accordance with today’s presidential order.”

Governors Mike Kehoe (Missouri), Andy Beshear (Kentucky), Jeff Landry (Louisiana), Wes Moore (Maryland), Kevin Stitt (Oklahoma),