Aurora Mayor Faces Criticism for Defying Governor’s Flag Order
AURORA, IL – Aurora Mayor John Laesch is facing significant backlash after directing city officials to keep flags at full staff while the rest of Illinois observed a period of mourning following recent political violence. The decision, made despite a direct order from Governor J.B. Pritzker, has ignited a political firestorm and drawn criticism from state officials and the previous mayor.
governor Pritzker initially ordered flags lowered to half-staff following the shooting of a Republican campaign worker in Iowa, a case authorities are investigating as a politically motivated attack.However,laesch instructed the Aurora Police Department (APD) and Aurora Fire Department (AFD) to maintain flags at full staff,citing a belief that the city,not the state,held authority over its own flag displays.
“The president has control over federal buildings, the governor over state buildings and the mayor over city buildings,” laesch explained, referencing advice from his legal team.
The move drew immediate condemnation from Illinois State’s Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who released a statement expressing deep concern that the city violated state law and “undercut the purpose of this solemn tribute.” Raoul, a long-time peace advocate and supporter of non-violence, noted his participation in peace demonstrations during the start of the Iraq War.
Former Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin also weighed in, posting on Facebook that Laesch missed “the uncomplicated chance to denounce political violence” by lowering the flags. Irvin accused Laesch of showing “monumental disrespect” and a “blatant disregard for our democracy.”
Laesch acknowledged receiving both positive and negative feedback regarding his decision, noting that public social media responses were largely critical, while some individuals offered private support.
Aurora Ald. Keith Larson, a political ally of the mayor, publicly defended Laesch’s stance, pointing to the lack of a similar flag lowering order earlier this year following the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband. “To give special treatment to one victim of political violence but not to others is to endorse that victim’s political ideology,” Larson wrote in a Facebook post, adding, “I again want to clarify that Charlie Kirk’s ideology DOSE NOT justify his murder.” He argued against selectively honoring victims based on their viewpoints.
As of Monday, the city of Aurora has complied with a subsequent order from Governor Pritzker to lower flags to half-staff to honor former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who died Sunday at the age of 79. Flags will remain lowered until the day of Edgar’s interment.
