NY and NJ skipped flag order for Charlie Kirk despite Trump directive

New York and New Jersey faced criticism for not lowering flags in honor of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, despite President Trump’s proclamation to do so. Trump signed a directive ordering U.S. flags nationwide to be lowered in memory of Kirk, calling him “a truly Great American Patriot.” Flags at the White House were lowered as per the directive.

However, New Jersey and New York chose to keep their flags at full staff, citing official state flag status. Bergen County in New Jersey followed the state’s guidance, which called for flags to remain at full staff. Pennsylvania and Delaware complied with Trump’s directive, while several other counties and municipalities in New Jersey also kept their flags at full staff.

Conservatives criticized Bergen County for not lowering the flags, accusing them of defying federal orders. Republican commissioner candidate Jay Costa took to Instagram to blast the county for ignoring the directive and vowed that voters would hold Democrats accountable in the upcoming November elections.

Experts pointed out that while the president can mandate flags on federal property, states and local governments have the freedom to decide whether to comply or not. Vexillologist Michael Green emphasized that states, businesses, and private individuals have the choice to follow the federal government’s directives.

Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has led to an outpouring of tributes and sparked political debates across the country. The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been identified by police, and federal agents have conducted raids on his Utah apartment and childhood home as the investigation progresses.