On September 10, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation ordering the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff. The proclamation states, "As a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk...I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, September 14, 2025." The order also directed flags to be flown at half-staff at all U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad. 

Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a speaking event at a Utah college campus on September 10. Kirk was the founder of Turning Point, USA, a conservative activist, podcaster, and, according to The Associated Press, an "ally of President Trump." 

Governor Tim Walz issued two separate orders to fly flags at half-staff.

In remembrance of the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags at state buildings to be lowered from sunrise to sunset. On December 18, 2001, Congress designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and on April 21, 2009, requested the day also be observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

In the state of Minnesota, the state and US flags are already lowered following a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025. The shooting resulted in the deaths of two children, identified by their families as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

The flags have been lowered since the day of the shooting, and recently the order was extended through sunset on September 14 to honor Harper Moyski, whose family is hosting a celebration of life for her that day. The other student killed, Fletcher Merkel, was laid to rest on Sunday, September 7.