PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Following the assassination of right-wing podcaster and activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump ordered all flags lowered to half-staff at all public buildings and grounds.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, who said her protocol is to follow presidential declarations, soon followed for Oregon and called Kirk's killing "inexcusable."

However some area officials questioned whether Kirk's accomplishments warranted the honor of flags being lowered to half-staff.

Democratic State Rep. Travis Nelson, the only openly LGBTQ person of color in the legislature, disagreed with lowering the flag for Kirk, and said it had nothing to do with his being conservative.

"That honor is reserved for presidents, national heroes and dignitaries," Nelson said. "If Dick Cheney died tomorro

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