LANSING – In accordance with an order issued by President Donald Trump, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately to honor and remember Charles (Charlie) Kirk who was shot and killed Wednesday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU).

“I am thinking of Charlie Kirk, his family, and the community at UVU after the horrific shooting that took place earlier today,” said Governor Whitmer. “Political violence of any form is unacceptable and must be condemned. Our country is founded on the freedom to stand up and speak your mind without fear of being hurt or killed. We must tone down the hateful and divisive rhetoric and center our common humanity. We settle our differences at the ballot box, not through violence. We all have a role to play in coming together and standing up against any and all forms of hatred and violence.”

“My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk’s family and the community at UVU in the wake of today’s politically motivated shooting,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today’s attack is another reminder that political violence cannot be tolerated in our country. We cannot normalize it. Every leader, every community, and every American must use their voice and platform to put an end to this violence.”

On Wednesday, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while hosting an event at UVU.

The State of Michigan remembers Charlie Kirk and stands in solidarity with the community of UVU by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full staff on Sunday, Sept. 14.