Kansas gov. orders flags to fly at half-staff, here’s why

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is ordering flags to fly at half-staff to honor recent victims of political violence in the nation.

Kelly issued the order for flags to fly at half-staff from Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14. Flags are to remain at the half-staff position from sunup to sundown during this time period.

Kelly said the order is meant to honor recent victims of political violence in the U.S. including Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was killed earlier this week in Utah, and former Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed alongside her husband in June. More generally, her order also is meant to honor all victims and survivors of political violence.

“Our nation should not be a place where freedom of speech is silenced with political violence,” Kelly said. “I call on all Kansans, and all Americans, to join in a movement to bring political violence to an end. We must stop the use of dangerous rhetoric and return to respectfully debating issues without threats, hate, or violence.”

“Thank you to Governor Laura Kelly for ordering flags flown at half-staff in Kansas to honor Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy,” Republican Senate President Ty Masterson. “I’m pleased to see her join us following my call for this unifying act. This step reinforces our shared commitment to ending political violence.”

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