Kentucky is lowering its flags to half-staff after conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described the killing as a “political assassination” and said it marks a “tragic day for our nation.”
Flags are also being lowered to honor those lost during 9/11 and commemorate Patriot Day. Here’s what we know.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear lowers flags to half-staff in honor of 9/11, Charlie Kirk
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said that in accordance with a White House proclamation from President Donald Trump, the commonwealth is lowering flags at all state office buildings to half-staff until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, out of respect for Charlie Kirk.
Beshear also ordered flags to be lowered on Thursday, Sept. 11, in honor of Patriot Day and the lives lost during 9/11.
What happened to Charlie Kirk? Has shooter been caught?
According to USA TODAY, Kirk, 31, was fatally shot the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 10, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety said there is no suspect in custody. Two people had previously been arrested but were released once officials determined neither had ties to the shooting.
Live updates: Charlie Kirk shot and killed in Utah; authorities hunt for gunman
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
U.S. and state flags are lowered to half-staff during the following:
The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder.
Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.
Charlie Kirk: Barack Obama condemns ‘despicable violence’ in the shooting of Charlie Kirk
Is it half-mast or half-staff?
It depends. For ships and naval stations ashore, the flags are flown at half-mast. If you happen to be on dry land, flags on a flagpole are flown at half-staff.
Reporters with the USA TODAY Network contributed. Reporter John Tufts contributed. Reach Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky flags at half-staff: Flags lowered to honor Charlie Kirk, 9/11