AURORA, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – Aurora Mayor John Laesch is standing by his decision to keep city flags at full staff, despite an order from President Donald Trump to lower flags nationwide in honor of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Laesch said Aurora’s flags were lowered on Sept. 11 to mark the anniversary of the terrorist attacks, but returned to full staff the following day. He stressed that the presidential order applied to federal buildings, while Governor J.B. Pritzker’s directive covered state facilities.
“Our focus was on remembering the lives lost on September 11th,” Laesch said in a statement. “On Friday, our flags were raised again as we moved forward, carrying with us the spirit and memory of those who died.”
Laesch added that lowering the flag should not be taken lightly. “Lowering the flag is a solemn act that carries great weight,” he said. “The choice to do so should not be made cavalierly. Doing so diminishes the importance of the remembrance of tragedies like September 11, 2001.”
The mayor also emphasized that Aurora “stands firmly against all forms of violence and remains committed to promoting peace, safety, and dignity for every resident.”
The move drew criticism from Aurora Township Republican chairman Danny Souri, who lowered flags at city hall and other municipal buildings over the weekend in defiance of the mayor’s order.
Laesch said city crews are checking municipal properties and will restore flags to full staff where needed.