Charlie Kirk assassination: New York, New Jersey keep flags high despite Trump's order; Bergen County under fire

The death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked a fresh political clash, this time over flag protocol.

US President Donald Trump issued a directive on Wednesday ordering US flags nationwide to be lowered through Sunday evening in Kirk’s honour, calling him “a truly Great American Patriot.” Flags at the White House were lowered that afternoon.


But New Jersey and New York did not issue matching orders, leaving flags flying at full staff in both states and putting Bergen County in the crosshairs for following state guidance instead of Trump’s proclamation.

State vs federal protocol

According to New Jersey’s official flag status, the order that day called for full staff. Bergen County followed suit, with a spokesperson for the county executive’s office telling The Post that the county adheres to the state’s daily guidance.

The county reiterated the position in a Facebook post, writing that it “condemns all forms of political violence and rejects hate in every form.”

Several other counties and municipalities in New Jersey also kept their flags at full staff, while Pennsylvania and Delaware lowered theirs in line with Trump’s order.

Conservative backlash

The decision infuriated some conservatives, who accused Bergen County officials of defying the president’s wishes.

“The Bergen County Democrats refuse to lower the flags to half-staff for the assassination of Charlie Kirk and have ignored federal orders to do so!” Republican commissioner candidate Jay Costa wrote on Instagram. “Truly despicable! They deserve to lose in November.”

Who has the final say?

Experts say the president’s authority on flag orders does not extend to state and local governments.

“States, businesses and private individuals have the choice to follow the federal government or not,” vexillologist Michael Green told NJ Advance Media.