Why Are Flags at Half Mast?

By CLAIRE WINTER

In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, many of us might have noticed flags around town being flown at half-mast. It wasn’t hard to connect the dots, but it might have left many of us wondering: why is the flag at half mast? After all, most of the time we see flags flown at half mast, they’re indicating the death of a former or current government official.

According to U.S. flag code, the American flag should be flown at half-mast for 30 days following the death of a United States president (former or current), and 10 days for the death of other individuals, including the vice president or speaker of the House. It can also be flown by the direct order of the president, the governor of any given state (for that state), and by local authorities. Therefore, flags might be at half-mast for any number of reasons. 

However, the current president has direct ruling over flag code, and can issue a proclamation at any time to lower United States flags (specifically, those flown over embassies or government buildings) to half mast. This was the case for Trump — “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 PM,” was the message posted September 10, shortly after the news of Kirk’s shooting broke. Flags remained at half-mast until Sept. 14. The states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Mississippi, and Hawaii also carried out half-mast notices on the state level, which lasted through the 15th.  

It’s not unprecedented for the passing of individuals to merit a half-mast flag. Half-mast notices were issued in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, as well as for the death of Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Francis. Other exceptions include the deaths of first responders or foreign dignitaries. Kirk, who notably fell under none of these categories, was also granted a half-mast flag upon his death, leading some to speculate about the reasoning and motive behind this move. 

The school shooting in Evergreen High School, Colorado, which occurred on the same date as Charlie Kirk’s death, was not given a federal or state notice of half-mast.

Featured image: SweetwaterNOW