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A city in New Jersey that was facing criticism of having flying a US flag by full staff despite President Donald Trump’s order to lower flags on government buildings to half staff in honor of Charlie Kirk defended her decision on Monday.
The New York Jets Great Nick Mangold may have been the highest critic when he blasted Madison with a social media post showing the flag by full staff.
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Retired New York Jets Center Nick Mangold looks at before the game against Cincinnati Bengals at Metlife Stadium on September 25, 2022. (Vincent Carchietta/USA Today Sports)
However, Madison officials wrote in a Facebook post that it followed the Directive of the State.
“Over the weekend, we received questions about lowering the American flag in the district. Madison’s policy is to follow the state of New Jersey’s daily flag status,” the city said in a post with a link to New Jersey’s flag status. “Over the weekend the status was ‘full staff’.
“Borough of Madison condemns all forms of political violence and rejects hatred in every form. We remain obliged to bring people together around our shared values and ideals.”
Mangold, the seven-time Pro Bowl Center and two-time all-pro selection, were among those who were upset by the city’s decision.
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The videotap shows a tribute to Charlie Kirk ahead of a game between Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals at the State Farm Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
“I’m disgusted and saddened by my city (Madison) and my State (New Jersey),” he wrote at X. “This is wrong on so many levels … as an American man and father were murdered to express his right to free expression.”
Mangold labeled New Jersey -Governor Phil Murphy and the two Gubernatorial candidates who are struggling to succeed Murphy, state representative Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli.
Officials of Bergen County, New Jersey, also came under fire for the same decision on flags.
Trump’s proclamation about having the flags of half staff came after Kirk was murdered on campus at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Since then, several memories and vigilance has been held across the country to honor Kirk. Several NFL teams held moments of silence during Sunday’s matches.
