Trenton, NJ – New Jersey left flags at full-staff this weekend as President Donald Trump’s proclamation ordering U.S. flags lowered for Charlie Kirk set off uneven compliance across the region. Pennsylvania and Delaware lowered flags statewide; New Jersey and New York did not.
The White House directive ordered flags flown at half-staff through Sunday “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk,” who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.
New Jersey’s official flag-status page listed “All Flags Full-Staff” on Saturday and Sunday, guidance counties such as Bergen followed amid online criticism. New York also did not issue a statewide half-staff order, while neighboring Pennsylvania and Delaware aligned with the federal proclamation.
Flag protocol experts note that a presidential order covers federal property, but states and localities are not legally required to comply, leaving governors to decide whether to mirror Washington.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have ignored Trump’s request to lower flags. Last month, Trump ordered flags to be lowered for a school shooting. Murphy and Hochul lowered their state flags for that somber event.
Kirk’s killing prompted multiple memorials and a continuing federal investigation, while plans for his funeral were announced for next Sunday in Arizona.
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Key Points
- White House ordered flags to half-staff for Charlie Kirk through Sunday. The White House
- New Jersey kept flags at full-staff; Pennsylvania and Delaware lowered theirs. NJ.gov+2Pennsylvania Government+2
- States are not obligated to follow presidential flag orders on non-federal property. New York Post
The Garden State stood pat while its neighbors split, setting up a fresh fight over who decides when Old Glory comes down