President Donald Trump has ordered all U.S. flags across Georgia and the nation to be flown at half-staff in honor of conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a public appearance on Sept. 10.
The tragedy took place at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during a student-led question-and-answer session hosted by Turning Point USA.
The shooter remains at large. Two individuals were briefly detained and released without charges.
Will flags be at half-staff in Georgia for Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk speaks at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar in Phoenix, Arizona in February.
Trump issued a proclamation late Tuesday ordering flags at all public buildings, military posts, and U.S. embassies to be flown at half-staff until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14.
“He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people,” Trump said in a message from the Oval Office. “He’s a martyr for truth and freedom and there’s never been anyone who was so respected by youth.”
Kirk’s assassination has stunned Georgia’s conservative base, especially among college students and political activists, many of whom credit him with igniting a new wave of youth engagement on the right.
Why is the flag at half-staff in Georgia?
The U.S. flag above the White House is lowered to half-staff in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10, 2025, after U.S. right-wing activist and commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was shot dead in Utah.
Under U.S. Flag Code, the American flag is flown at half-staff to honor national tragedies, significant deaths, or official periods of mourning.
While traditionally reserved for government officials and military members, presidents have broad authority to extend the honor.
Past instances include the lowering of flags after the September 11 attacks, mass shootings in Newtown and Uvalde, and the deaths of prominent global figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Francis.
While Sept. 11 remains a standing occasion for half-staff flags nationwide, Kirk’s death adds a personal layer of mourning for many Georgians, particularly young voters and families.
Mourning of Charlie Kirk in Georgia
People gather for a vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk following his death on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed by a gunshot wound to the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Across Georgia, tributes to Kirk, 31, have poured in from officials, pastors, and more. Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement saying, “political violence is never the answer!”
On Sunday, Oct. 12, at 5 p.m., 2819 Church will host ACCESS, a free, large-scale prayer gathering at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Organizers say the event will focus on healing, salvation, and revival in the wake of national tragedy. For more information, visit 2819access.com/about.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Charlie Kirk and 9/11: How long will flags be at half-staff in Georgia?