Why Did New York Refuse To Lower Flags For Charlie Kirk?

New York State has refused to lower the American flag for Charlie Kirk. Kirk was murdered in a targeted shooting on September 10, 2025. He was shot and killed while speaking at the first stop of the Turning Point USA "American Comeback Tour" debate on Utah Valley University's campus.

Kirk was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, which, according to its website,

"Empowers citizens of all ages to rise up against the radical left in defense of freedom, free markets, and limited government."

Credit: Charlie Kirk via Youtube

Who Killed Charlie Kirk?

Kirk's alleged killer is currently in custody. Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington County, Utah, is being held by the state. According to Fox News, he is a former Utah State engineering student. There has been a lot of speculation about his motive for killing Kirk, but Robinson has not confirmed his motive for the murder. The Utah State Courts recently held a hearing for Robinson, detailing the charges against him on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Credit: ABC News via Youtube

The President Orders Flags To Be Flown At Half-Staff

An order was issued from the White House for flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Kirk. The statement reads, in part,

"I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all 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 until sunset, September 14, 2025."

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According to Niagara Action, Governor Kathy Hochul, the first woman elected as governor of New York State, did not honor the request. According to the publication, the state does plan to lower them on the day Kirk is buried.

"State officials in Albany said New York intends to lower flags on the day of Kirk’s funeral, citing past practice with other public figures such as Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Corey Comperatore, the Pennsylvania firefighter killed at a Trump rally last year."

Per the American Legion,

"The flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law."

You can read more about the American Legion's rules for the flag, including it not being displayed on apparel, here.