Aurora Mayor Defies Orders to Keep Flags at Half-Staff for Kirk

The mayor of Aurora, Illinois, John Laesch, has ordered city flags to fly at full staff in defiance of proclamations from both President Donald Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. This decision follows the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed during a debate event at Utah Valley University.

Authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, suspecting him of the assassination that occurred on September 13, 2025. In response to Kirk’s death, Trump directed that flags be flown at half-staff until sunset on September 14. Pritzker issued a similar proclamation on September 15, specifically to honor “victims of political violence,” which did not mention Kirk by name.

Disagreement Among Local Firefighters

A memo circulated among firefighters in Aurora indicated that the local fire department was ordered to raise their flags to full staff. Fire Chief David McCabe stated in the memo that all city buildings, including fire stations, were to comply with the mayor’s directive. The memo warned that any attempt to lower the flags would be regarded as a violation of a direct order.

However, firefighters expressed their dissent regarding the mayor’s order. A source familiar with the local firefighters’ union confirmed that an agreement was reached, allowing union members to abstain from raising the flags. A video shared on social media showed Fire Assistance Chief of Operations Matt Anslow moving the flag to full staff despite the pushback.

Retired firefighter Frank Ricci criticized the mayor’s actions, stating, “In flagrant disregard for unity, the mayor and chief raised the flags, chasing cheap political points over national mourning.” He emphasized the need for respect during a period of mourning for Kirk and the political climate surrounding his assassination.

Laesch’s Justification and Wider Reactions

In a statement reported by Fox 32 Chicago, Laesch explained his decision to raise the flags, focusing instead on remembrances related to the September 11 attacks. “Our flags were raised again as we moved forward, carrying with us the spirit and memory of those who died,” he stated. Laesch acknowledged that his decision would not be universally accepted but stressed that lowering the flag is a significant act that should not be taken lightly.

The controversy surrounding the flag orders extended beyond Aurora. In Los Angeles, Democratic Mayor Karen Bass also ordered flags to remain at full staff. In Iowa, Jon Green, Chairman of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, announced his intention to defy Governor Kim Reynolds‘s directive to lower flags for Kirk.

As of now, neither Mayor Laesch nor Chief McCabe has responded to requests for further comment regarding the situation. The divide over flag protocol in honor of Kirk continues to reflect broader political tensions in the United States.