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

An ongoing political dispute has erupted in Iowa after Johnson County Board of Supervisors Chair Jon Green publicly refused Governor Kim Reynolds’ directive to fly flags at half-staff in honor of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was recently fatally shot. Green, a Democrat, announced his decision on social media, sparking immediate backlash and support.

Kirk was killed last Wednesday, prompting Governor Reynolds to issue an order for flags to be lowered through Sunday evening. However, Green stated he would not comply, declaring, “I condemn Kirk’s killing, regardless of who pulled the trigger or why. But I will not grant Johnson county honors to a man who made it his life’s mission to denigrate so many of the constituents I have sworn an oath to protect.” He further criticized Kirk for harming marginalized communities and degrading the political discourse.

Green elaborated to The Gazette that his stance was influenced by the Governor’s past failures to issue similar honors following other significant acts of gun violence, citing the unresolved shooting deaths of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in June. Despite his defiance regarding Kirk, Green confirmed that Johnson County flags would be lowered on Friday to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and also acknowledged two students wounded in a Colorado high school shooting on the same day Kirk was killed.

Governor Reynolds quickly condemned Green’s actions on social media, labeling it “disgraceful that a locally elected official has chosen to put politics above human decency.” The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from other state officials. Democratic Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls, representing parts of Johnson County, disagreed with Green, urging compliance with the governor’s instructions. Conversely, fellow Johnson County Supervisor Mandi Remington, also a Democrat, supported Green, arguing that honoring Kirk would “dismiss the harm he caused to our neighbors and constituents” given his history of marginalizing various groups.

Green remains confident in his legal position, telling HuffPost he believes he has not violated any state laws that would allow Reynolds to remove him from office. This local standoff comes amid a broader national environment where critics of Kirk have reportedly faced professional repercussions. Meanwhile, Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk, has announced a public memorial service set for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

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