Nick Mangold, former player for the New York Jets, voiced his frustration with local officials in New Jersey on Saturday after they opted not to lower the American flag to half-staff in memory of Charlie Kirk.
Madison was among several towns in the state that disregarded President Trump’s proclamation to lower flags on government properties until Sunday.
This action was intended to honor certain conservative figures who were fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
As Mangold drove past the town’s government building, he noticed the flag remained at full mast.
“I’m really disappointed in Madison and New Jersey as a whole,” he shared on X. “This situation is troubling for numerous reasons, especially since an American father and husband was killed for exercising his right to free speech.”
Mangold addressed his remarks to Governor Phil Murphy and two candidates competing to succeed him, Mikier Cheryl and Jack Ciatarelli.
Bergen County officials also faced criticism for maintaining the flag at full staff but explained their decision on Facebook.
“We were questioned about the flag status at our facilities today,” the county stated on Saturday. “Bergen County follows the flag directives from the state of New Jersey, which today indicated ‘Full Staff.’
Kirk was tragically killed while speaking with a university student in Orem, Utah, leaving behind his wife and two children.
Authorities arrested Tyler Robinson in connection with the shooting following an extensive manhunt that lasted more than a day.
