State Senator Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) has issued a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s decision to order U.S. flags at half-staff in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University.
In a statement Williams wrote: “While it is undeniable that no one deserves to be murdered…we must also be clear: he does not deserve to be honored as a hero. He was not one.”
Williams elaborated further in a formal release, directly questioning the president’s decision:
“Why has the President of the United States ordered the state flag to be flown in honor of an avowed racist?
This decision is an insult to every American — especially to those of us who were the targets of his hatred throughout his political career. While it is undeniable that no one deserves to be murdered, and we do not celebrate violence, we must also be clear: he does not deserve to be honored as a hero. He was not one.
I say this not just for myself, but on behalf of my grandparents who served this country in uniform, my father who also wore the military uniform with pride, and my children who are growing up in a country that is deeply divided, not because they lack ability, but because of the color of their skin.
Honoring someone who spent his life promoting division and bigotry sends the wrong message. We must not conflate tragedy with heroism.”
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, was shot while speaking at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate event at Utah Valley University. The attack occurred during a Q&A session on mass shootings and transgender issues when a single rifle shot struck him in the neck from a rooftop position roughly 142 yards away.
The FBI has launched a nationwide manhunt. Investigators recovered a bolt-action rifle in nearby woods along with evidence marked by “slogans reflecting transgender and antifascist beliefs.” The suspect, believed to be college-aged, remains unidentified.
Trump Orders Flags Lowered
President Trump swiftly condemned the shooting, calling Kirk “a truly Great American Patriot” in a Truth Social post. He ordered flags at half-staff nationwide until September 14, directing the order to “all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government.”
Trump also announced plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously and released a video from the Oval Office blaming “rhetoric from the radical left and media” for fueling the violence.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro followed suit, ordering state flags flown at half-staff through Sunday.
A Divisive Legacy
Supporters credit Kirk for mobilizing young conservatives, but his record was marked by controversy. His group launched the Professor Watchlist and School Board Watchlist, which critics accused of fueling harassment campaigns. Kirk publicly criticized the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Martin Luther King Jr., and promoted Christian nationalism and misinformation about COVID-19 and the 2020 election.
He also played a role in the lead-up to January 6, 2021, by helping transport supporters to Washington, D.C., though fewer than promised arrived. Kirk later invoked the Fifth Amendment before the House January 6 Committee.
Despite Kirk’s polarizing legacy, political leaders across party lines denounced the shooting.
Governor Josh Shapiro said: “Political violence has no place in our country. We must speak with moral clarity. The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying and this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society.”
Senator John Fetterman added: “I condemn this in the strongest terms. There is ZERO place in our great country for these horrendous acts of political violence.”
Similar statements came from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, and others.
Williams’ statement stands out for separating condemnation of Kirk’s murder from opposition to the honors bestowed upon him. His dissent highlights the ongoing debate over how the U.S. chooses to memorialize controversial public figures.
Traditionally, the lowering of flags is reserved for national mourning or the deaths of senior government and military leaders. According to the General Services Administration, half-staff honors are intended for “periods of national grief, on days of remembrance, or immediately following the passing of government or military personnel.”
