The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reportedly instructed all city flags on department facilities to remain at full staff, unless Mayor Karen Bass explicitly orders otherwise—contradicting President Trump’s proclamation to lower U.S. flags nationwide in memory of Charlie Kirk. The directive stipulated that flags remain fully raised from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at LAFD facilities.
Trump’s proclamation called for U.S. flags on federal buildings, military installations, and all public buildings to fly at half‑staff through sunset on September 14 as a mark of respect for Kirk. While some state governors followed the order, including in Pennsylvania and Arizona, local entities like Los Angeles are choosing not to comply without local authorization.
Mayor Bass issued a statement condemning the political violence that led to Kirk’s death, saying such acts are “unacceptable and reprehensible” and must be rejected. However, she has not yet directed that city flags be lowered to half‑staff, and the LAFD memo makes clear that flags will stay at full staff unless she does so.
Some residents and political commentators are criticizing the LAFD decision as a symbolic failure to show solidarity or respect. For many, furling the flag is a visible sign of collective mourning, and refusing to do so—even under municipal jurisdiction—is being interpreted by some as a refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the event. Others defend LAFD’s move as a matter of standard protocol, emphasizing that local governments maintain discretion over such gestures.
Legal experts note that Trump’s proclamation applies only to federal property, and local governments aren’t legally bound to comply. Still, they observe that mayors and city councils often choose to follow such orders in the interest of public unity. The discrepancy between jurisdictions in following Trump’s order has sparked debate over the role of symbolism in civic grief—and how public rituals reflect political divisions.
