As of today, September 14, 2025, flags across the United States are ordered to be flown at half-staff until sunset in honor of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a conservative activist, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University.[1] [2] [3] [4] This directive was issued by President Donald Trump via a proclamation on September 10, 2025.[1] [2] [5]

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The presidential order mandates that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions.[1] [2] [5] The order also extends to all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including military facilities and naval vessels and stations.[1] [2] [5] While the U.S. Flag Code does not specifically mention lowering flags for non-government officials, it grants the President the authority to modify or alter any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag by proclamation.[2] [5] [6] The Flag Code is considered a guideline and lacks an enforcement mechanism.[2] [5] [6]

Several states and local governments have complied with the President's directive. For instance, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania ordered flags to half-staff across the Commonwealth in accordance with the President's proclamation.[3] Similarly, Governor Jared Polis of Colorado also ordered flags to half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk, extending the half-staff period beyond the 9/11 remembrance.[4] Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered flags to be lowered at state buildings to honor "victims of political violence," which aligns with the period for Kirk's remembrance.[7] However, some jurisdictions, such as New York and New Jersey, did not issue their own orders to lower flags for Kirk, choosing to follow state protocols that did not include such a directive.[8] This decision sparked criticism from some conservatives, as states and local governments are not legally compelled to follow federal flag-lowering directives for non-federal properties.[8]

Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.[2] [5] [7] President Trump described Kirk as "the best of America" and a "martyr for truth and freedom," vowing that his legacy would live on.[2] [5] Authorities are still investigating the shooting, and a person of interest, Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified.[2] [8]