Iowa Official Defies Governor’s Order to Lower Flags for Charlie Kirk, Sparks Controversy

A political firestorm has ignited in Iowa after Jon Green, chair of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, publicly refused Governor Kim Reynolds’ directive to fly state flags at half-staff in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last Wednesday. Green, a Democrat, announced his defiance on social media on Thursday, asserting that while he condemned Kirk’s killing, he would not extend county honors to a figure he believed actively denigrated many constituents and eroded the nation’s political discourse.

Green’s decision, communicated to The Gazette, was reportedly influenced by Governor Reynolds’ failure to issue similar half-staff orders for other significant gun violence victims, including Minnesota’s Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in June. Despite this, Johnson County flags were lowered on Friday to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Green remains steadfast, declaring that county flags would otherwise fly normally and that he is prepared to face any legal or electoral consequences for his principled stand.

Governor Reynolds swiftly criticized Green’s actions on social media, labeling his decision as ‘disgraceful’ and accusing him of prioritizing politics over basic human decency. The issue has also revealed divisions within the Democratic party; Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls, whose district includes parts of Johnson County, expressed disagreement with Green, urging compliance with the governor’s order. In contrast, fellow Johnson County Supervisor Mandi Remington, also a Democrat, voiced strong support for Green, stating that honoring Kirk would contradict the county’s core values, given his history of marginalizing various communities.

This local controversy unfolds amidst a wider national context of efforts to suppress critical commentary regarding Kirk’s death, with some individuals reportedly facing job-related repercussions for their remarks. Green remains confident in his legal position, asserting the governor lacks the authority under Iowa state law to remove him from office. Looking ahead, Turning Point USA, founded by Kirk, has scheduled a memorial service for him on September 21st at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

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