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.”

I have ordered the flags of the United States of America and the great state of Utah to be flown at half-staff on all state facilities in recognition of the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed this afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University.Flags… pic.twitter.com/CYEyBMNtOo

— Governor Cox (@GovCox) September 10, 2025

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), Henry McMaster (South Carolina), Bill Lee (Tennessee), and Larry Rhoden (South Dakota) have all taken to social media to announce that flags will be lowered today and throughout the weekend.

Who Was Charlie Kirk?

Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization with aims to spread conservative ideals U.S. colleges.

Over the last ten years, Charlie Kirk rose to become one of the most prominent young figures in conservative politics and a pillar of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Although Kirk never held elected office, he became a powerful organizer and podcast host. He was a staunch supporter of Trump during his first term, and the president has credited him with helping him get elected to serve his second term.

He leaves behind his wife Erika and two children.

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!“

Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro said on X: “Political violence has no place in our country. We must speak with moral clarity. The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying and this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox added: “Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said: “I am horrified by the violent attack on Charlie Kirk. In a democracy, we solve our disagreements at the ballot box. Political violence is never acceptable.”