You’re driving through St. Paul or maybe just heading to work in Duluth, and you look up. The flags are hanging low. It’s one of those moments that makes you pull back for a second. You wonder what happened. Honestly, it’s a heavy feeling. Seeing the colors at half-staff usually means the state is collectivey holding its breath for someone we've lost.
As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, flags across Minnesota have returned to full staff following recent honors. However, the state has been in a period of significant mourning and high tension over the last two weeks. If you saw flags lowered earlier this month, or if you're seeing local tributes today, there is a lot of context to catch up on.
Governor Tim Walz hasn't issued a new statewide mandate for this specific Sunday, but the atmosphere in the Twin Cities is anything but "back to normal."
The recent honors for Firefighter Andy Ziegler
Most people asking about flags at half staff Minnesota today are likely remembering the sights from just a few days ago. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, Governor Walz ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff.
This was for Andy Ziegler.
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He was a veteran firefighter from Milaca who passed away unexpectedly in late December. He spent 15 years putting his life on the line for his neighbors. When a guy like that goes, the whole community feels it. Walz mentioned in his proclamation that Ziegler was the type of person who would drop everything the second a call came in.
It wasn't just a political gesture. It was about a husband, a father of five, and a grandfather. For a small town like Milaca, having the state recognize one of their own at that level is a big deal.
Why flags might be lowered locally right now
Even without a statewide order from the Governor’s office, you might still see flags at half-staff in certain neighborhoods or outside specific municipal buildings.
Minnesota has been going through it lately.
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- Local Jurisdictions: Mayors or fire chiefs can sometimes order flags at half-staff for local heroes or retired public servants.
- The Renee Nicole Good Tragedy: On January 9, 2026, Governor Walz declared a "Day of Unity" following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis involving federal ICE agents. While that specific day of mourning has passed, the civil unrest following the incident has kept the state on edge.
- National Guard Presence: With the National Guard currently on standby and over 1,500 active-duty soldiers from Alaska being readied for potential deployment to Minnesota, some local organizations may be flying flags at half-staff as a sign of solidarity or protest against the rising tensions.
It’s kinda chaotic. You’ve got federal agents, state police, and local protesters all clashing in the streets of Minneapolis. When things get this tense, the flag becomes a symbol of many different things to different people.
How the decision to lower the flag actually works
It’s not just a random choice. There’s a specific protocol. Usually, it’s the President or the Governor who makes the call. According to the Minnesota Department of Administration, the Governor can order flags to half-staff to honor fallen soldiers, first responders, or prominent statesmen.
There's also the U.S. Flag Code. It’s basically the rulebook for how to handle the stars and stripes. You’re supposed to hoist the flag briskly to the peak for an instant and then lower it ceremoniously to the half-staff position. At the end of the day, you raise it to the peak again before lowering it completely.
Most people don't know that. They just see it halfway down and know it means "respect."
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What’s happening in Minneapolis today?
If you are seeing flags at half-staff today, January 18, in the metro area, it’s likely tied to the ongoing protests. The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good has sparked a massive wave of demonstrations against ICE.
Governor Walz has been trying to balance the right to protest with public safety. He’s already mobilized resources to support the Twin Cities. But with the Pentagon getting involved, the situation is evolving every hour. Honestly, it feels like 2020 all over again for a lot of residents.
People are mourning. Not just for individuals, but for the peace of their city.
Actionable insights for Minnesotans today
If you want to stay updated on the official status, here is what you should do:
- Check the Official Source: Go to the Minnesota Governor’s Flag Status page. This is the only place where official state mandates are posted in real-time.
- Sign Up for Alerts: You can actually subscribe to email notifications from the state so you aren't guessing why the flags are down when you drive to the grocery store.
- Respect Local Tributes: If you see a flag at half-staff at a local fire station or VFW today, it's often for a member of that specific "family." Even if it's not a statewide order, the sentiment is the same.
- Stay Informed on the Protests: Because the situation in Minneapolis is fluid, local flag displays may be part of community-led vigils. Watch local news outlets like KARE 11 or WCCO for the latest on the Day of Unity follow-ups and the ICE shooting investigation.
Flags tell a story. Today in Minnesota, that story is one of complex grief, community service, and a very tense search for justice.