Flags at Half-Staff Honoring Victims of Political Violence

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown ordered flags at all City facilities to be lowered to half-staff in remembrance of victims of political violence. This directive coincides with Governor Bob Ferguson’s order for state and U. S. flags to be lowered at all state agency facilities. The decision honors the memory of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were assassinated on June 14, 2025, along with Charlie Kirk, who was killed on September 10, 2025.

Additionally, the mayor recognized Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were seriously injured in an assassination attempt. Brown stated, "Violence has no place in our democracy," and offered sympathies to the victims' families. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on September 14, symbolizing a period of mourning. Spokane encourages residents to participate in this tribute by lowering flags at their homes and businesses. The community’s collective response emphasizes the importance of standing against violence in political discourse.