You walk past a government building in Washington, D.C., and see it. The Stars and Stripes, usually perched proudly at the peak of the pole, is sitting halfway down. It’s a somber sight. Instantly, your brain starts racing. Did a world leader pass away? Was there another national tragedy? Honestly, seeing the flag at half-staff in the nation’s capital can feel a bit unnerving if you don’t know the story behind it.
Today, January 13, 2026, the reason involves a mix of local Maryland mourning and the ripple effects of several state-level proclamations that often confuse people visiting the District. If you’re looking at federal buildings in the heart of DC, you might notice different statuses depending on which side of the street you’re on.
Basically, the primary reason for flags being lowered in the immediate DC vicinity today is to honor the interment of Detective Paul Hoke of the Baltimore County Police Department. While Baltimore isn't DC, the proximity means many Maryland-adjacent facilities and local jurisdictions follow the order issued by Governor Wes Moore. Detective Hoke passed away following a medical emergency suffered in the line of duty, and today is the day he is being laid to rest.
Why Are Flags at Half Mast Today in DC?
It's actually a bit of a "geographic quirk." Washington, D.C. is its own entity, but it’s sandwiched between Maryland and Virginia. Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has ordered the U.S. flag and the Maryland state flag to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
This is specifically for the funeral services of Detective Paul Hoke.
Whenever a first responder dies in the line of duty in a neighboring state, you’ll often see flags at half-staff in the D.C. metro area. It’s a sign of regional solidarity. But wait—there's more to it. If you are standing directly in front of the White House or the U.S. Capitol, the flag status might be different than the flag at a local fire station or a building just across the Maryland line.
👉 See also: Trump on Gun Control: What Most People Get Wrong
The Difference Between National and State Orders
Most people think only the President can lower the flag. That’s a total myth.
While the President issues proclamations for national figures (like the recent honors for the late Representative Doug LaMalfa earlier this month), Governors have the authority to lower flags in their states for local heroes.
- Presidential Orders: These apply to all federal buildings nationwide.
- Gubernatorial Orders: These apply to state-owned buildings and often local municipal buildings.
Because so many people in DC live in Maryland or Virginia, the "vibe" of the city often reflects what the Governors are doing. Today, the focus is heavily on the sacrifice of Detective Hoke. He was a dedicated public servant who fell ill while serving on December 31, 2025, eventually passing away on January 2nd. Today is the final goodbye.
Other Recent Proclamations Affecting the Region
It has been a busy month for flag protocol. Just last week, the nation was at half-staff for Congressman Doug LaMalfa. We’ve also seen specific states like Michigan lowering flags today for former State Senator Joel Gougeon.
If you see a flag at half-staff today and you aren't in Maryland, you might be seeing honors for:
✨ Don't miss: Trump Eliminate Department of Education: What Most People Get Wrong
- Senator Joel Gougeon (Michigan): Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags lowered for his interment today.
- Officer Stephen LaPorta (Massachusetts): Governor Healey has flags lowered through January 15th.
- Local Heroes: Various municipalities often lower flags for local veterans or civic leaders without a massive news blast.
It's kinda fascinating how much the flag speaks without saying a word. In DC, the "default" status is often set by the Architect of the Capitol or the President, but the Maryland influence is huge. Many federal employees who work in the District commute from Baltimore or Montgomery County. When one of their own falls, the flags follow suit.
The Logistics of Half-Staff Protocol
There is a right way and a wrong way to do this. You don’t just hoist the flag to the middle and tie it off. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the flag must first be hoisted to the very top (the "peak") for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position.
When it’s time to take the flag down for the day, it has to be raised to the peak again before being lowered for the night.
Who decides in DC?
In the District of Columbia proper, the Mayor has the authority to order flags to half-staff for local residents or officials, similar to a Governor. However, for the big monuments and federal agency headquarters, the order has to come from the White House.
If you’re seeing flags down at a specific agency like the Department of Justice or the Pentagon, they might be observing a specific memorial that hasn't hit the national headlines yet. This is why "why are flags at half mast today in dc" is such a frequent search—the answer changes based on which building you are looking at.
🔗 Read more: Trump Derangement Syndrome Definition: What Most People Get Wrong
Why This Still Matters in 2026
In a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced, this physical ritual remains one of the few ways we collectively pause. It’s a visual representation of grief. Whether it’s for a detective like Paul Hoke or a long-serving Senator, the act of lowering the flag forces a moment of "Wait, what happened?"
It keeps the community connected to the people who serve it.
Honestly, it’s also about respect for the family. Imagine driving to your loved one’s funeral and seeing every government building acknowledging their sacrifice. It’s powerful.
Actionable Steps for Flag Owners
If you manage a flag at your home or business and want to stay in the loop, here is how you can handle it:
- Sign up for alerts: You can subscribe to "Flag Status" emails from the Maryland Secretary of State or the DC Mayor’s office.
- Follow the 4th of July Rule: On Memorial Day, the flag flies at half-staff only until noon, then is raised to the top. Today (January 13), for Detective Hoke, it stays down all day until sunset.
- Check the Jurisdiction: If you are in DC, follow the Presidential or Mayoral proclamations. If you are in the suburbs, look to the Governor.
If you noticed the flags today, now you know. It’s a day of remembrance for a life lost in the line of duty just a few miles from the capital's heart.
Next Steps for Staying Informed:
To ensure you are always following the correct protocol, you should bookmark the official DC Flag Status page or the Maryland Secretary of State’s flag alert portal. These sites provide real-time updates on when to lower and raise your flags, ensuring you never miss a day of national or local significance.