Over the weekend, former New York Jets Center Nick Mangold stirred up some controversy in New Jersey after city officials opted to observe President Donald Trump’s declaration in remembrance of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While Mangold’s hometown of Madison opted out of the tribute, several neighboring areas chose to honor Kirk, who was killed in Utah during an event at a university.
In places like Florham Park and East Hanover, which are situated in Morris and Union counties, officials confirmed that they would lower U.S. flags to half-staff between September 10 and September 14, following the presidential directive.
Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor referred to Kirk as “a great patriot,” affirming that the borough would still honor him. He stated, “While we acknowledge the presidential orders, the flag will remain at half-staff for Charlie Kirk.” East Hanover echoed this sentiment, confirming they acted in line with the declaration. The city of Summit also reported that flags were at half-staff over the weekend at various municipal buildings.
This comes in the wake of Kirk’s tragic assassination at a Utah campus event, where he was shot and declared dead. A 22-year-old resident of Utah has been arrested in connection with the murder.
During this, Mangold faced backlash after he was seen outside a government building in Madison, which did not comply with President Trump’s directive. He expressed frustration on social media, stating, “I’m fed up with my town and my state. This is wrong on so many levels, considering my fellow Americans can be targeted just for exercising their right to free speech.”
He also tagged New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and two gubernatorial candidates in his post. In response to the criticism, Madison officials clarified that they follow the state’s daily flag guidelines and emphasized that their flag was at full staff over the weekend.
Mayor Jason Kerr of Morris Plains explained that his town was unaware of the president’s order and reiterated that the flag had been raised to full staff shortly after the tribute was supposed to take place. He insisted that there was no disrespect intended towards the president or the Kirk family.
Kerr conveyed condolences to Kirk’s family, emphasizing that political violence should not be trivialized and that all sides should come together during such times.
Meanwhile, in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott directed all state buildings to lower flags in accordance with the declaration. He expressed his sorrow over Kirk’s assassination, calling it a senseless act and offered prayers for Kirk’s family, especially his young children.
