Here’s why U.S flags are at half-staff for political activist Charlie Kirk
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk is being honored with one of the nation’s most visible symbols of mourning.
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff after Kirk was fatally shot during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
The proclamation covers federal buildings, military posts and U.S. embassies abroad, lasting through sunset on Saturday, Sept. 14.
In a video message, Trump described Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” praising the 31-year-old’s influence among young Americans.
The announcement comes as supporters and critics alike react to the sudden death of a figure who was both polarizing and prominent in American politics.
Here’s what to know about why the flags are lowered, what the law says, and who else has received the honor.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
Lowering the flag is a long-standing way to mark national grief and respect.
It’s done for military members, elected officials, victims of mass tragedies, and public figures whose deaths resonate across the country.
By lowering the flag, leaders send a visible signal that the nation is in mourning.
What does the U.S. Flag Code say about half-staff orders?
The U.S. Flag Code spells out when and how long flags should be lowered. On Memorial Day, for example, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon.
It is lowered for 30 days after the death of a sitting or former president and for 10 days after the death of the vice president, the chief justice, or a retired chief justice. When a member of Congress dies, flags are lowered on the day of death and the following day.
Authority also extends beyond the president. While the president can issue proclamations for officials or foreign dignitaries, governors and the D.C. mayor may lower flags within their jurisdictions to honor service members, first responders, or state leaders. Heads of federal agencies can do the same for buildings they oversee.
Who else have national flags been lowered for?
Recent proclamations have lowered flags after both tragedies and deaths of public figures.
In August, President Trump ordered flags lowered after the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Earlier this year, flags were also lowered following the death of Pope Francis, honoring his decades of spiritual leadership.
The tradition has also marked the passing of American leaders. In December 2024, flags were lowered to honor former President Jimmy Carter, and in 2018 they remained at half-staff for 30 days after the death of former President George H.W. Bush. That same year, a proclamation also honored former First Lady Barbara Bush.
What happens after Sept. 14?
When the proclamation expires, flags return to full-staff at sunrise the next day.
States, schools, and private businesses often follow the federal lead, though they aren’t required to.
For many, raising the flag again marks the close of the official mourning period, even as the loss continues to be felt.
