Aurora, Illinois Mayor John Laesch ordered city flags raised to full staff Friday, despite proclamations from President Donald Trump and Gov. JB Pritzker directing they remain lowered in honor of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated Wednesday during a campus event at Utah Valley University.
Competing Orders
President Trump directed flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff until Sept. 14 in Kirk’s memory.
John Laesch
Gov. Pritzker followed with a proclamation for Illinois flags, framing it as honoring “victims of political violence.”
Neither order was followed in Aurora.
A memo from Aurora Fire Chief David McCabe instructed staff to raise all flags.
“I know everyone has their own opinion, but that is irrelevant,” McCabe wrote.
He warned that lowering the flags again would be treated as “a violation of a direct order.”
According to the Daily Caller News Foundation, the firefighters’ union refused to participate.
A video posted online showed Fire Assistant Chief of Operations Matt Anslow personally raising the flag.
— Frank Ricci (@frankriccidc) September 13, 2025
Critics said the mayor’s decision disrespected national mourning.
Laesch’s Explanation
Laesch defended his order, citing the 9/11 anniversary.
“Our focus was on remembering the lives lost on September 11th,” he said.
He added that lowering the flag too often “diminishes the importance” of past tragedies.
The decision sparked anger among many residents.
“Cheap political points over national mourning,” retired firefighter Frank Ricci wrote.
He accused Laesch of fueling “division over decency.”
National Trend
Aurora was not alone in rejecting flag orders.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also directed flags remain at full staff.
In Iowa, Johnson County Board Chairman Jon Green openly defied Gov. Kim Reynolds’ order on Facebook.
Kirk’s Ties to Illinois
Charlie Kirk grew up in the Chicago suburbs less than an hour from Aurora.
Supporters said the city’s refusal to lower flags dishonored a native son.
Kirk’s assassination has been described by Utah officials as a political killing.
It seems as though it’s always the leftists that dishonor America and the fallen. They have no respect for decency. Sad that they have nothing except anger and hatred!