LA mayor refuses to lower flags to half-staff after Charlie Kirk assassination: report

The Los Angeles Fire Department on Friday reportedly instructed that all city flags on department facilities remain at full staff, saying flags would not be lowered without explicit direction from Mayor Karen Bass, despite President Donald Trump’s proclamation ordering US flags nationwide to half-staff in memory of Charlie Kirk.

According to independent journalist Anthony Cabassa, an internal LAFD notice stated, “All City flags shall be displayed on department facilities at full staff from 0800 hours to 1700 hours each day. Flags shall remain raised to full staff each day and should not be lowered to half-staff unless directed by the Mayor.”

Trump’s order, issued earlier this week, stated that “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk,” the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff. The order applied to the White House and all public buildings and grounds, as well as military posts, naval stations, and naval vessels. The order was put in place until sunset on September 14.

The presidential order applies to federal properties but does not mandate compliance by local governments. However, many state leaders from both parties have chosen to follow it. Democrat Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro directed flags in his state to fly at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk.”

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, of Kirk’s home state, also ordered state flags to be lowered in accordance with Trump’s directive. "I am horrified by the violent attack on Charlie Kirk. In a democracy, we solve our disagreements at the ballot box. Political violence is never acceptable,” Hobbs said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement on X following Kirk's murder, stating, "I’m absolutely disgusted by today’s attack on Charlie Kirk. Political violence in all forms is unacceptable and reprehensible. We must all reject it."