“Disgusted and saddened”: Ex-Jets star Nick Mangold slams New Jersey town for refusing to lower flags in honor of Charlie Kirk

Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold expressed strong disappointment after noticing Madison, New Jersey, did not lower the American flag to half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist tragically assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University.Nick Mangold took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to share his deep frustration. “I’m disgusted and saddened by my town (Madison) and my state (New Jersey),” he wrote. “This is wrong on so many levels… as an American husband and father was assassinated for expressing his right to free speech.” Mangold’s reaction highlights the emotional impact Kirk’s death has had on Americans, particularly those who see his assassination as an attack on freedom of expression.Mangold also tagged New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the two major gubernatorial candidates, Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli, emphasizing the political dimension of the controversy.The controversy expanded beyond Madison, as officials in Bergen County, New Jersey, also faced criticism for not lowering their flags. In a public statement on Facebook, the county clarified, “Today, we received questions about the lowering of the American flag at County-owned facilities. Bergen County’s policy is to follow the State of New Jersey’s daily flag status, which can be found here. Today’s status was ‘full staff.’”The decision has left many unsettled, as Charlie Kirk’s assassination continues to be a focal point in the national conversation on free speech and political violence. Kirk was shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, and leaves behind his wife and two children.Also Read: Which NFL stadium is hosting Charlie Kirk’s public funeral service and what makes it significantAs the nation continues to process the tragedy, the debate around how public officials should honor victims of politically motivated violence remains heated. Nick Mangold’s public stance signals growing frustration among Americans demanding stronger recognition and accountability.