If you’re driving through Phoenix or Tucson today, you’ve likely noticed the colors hanging low. It’s a somber sight that always makes people pull over or check their phones. Honestly, seeing a flag at half-staff usually means the state is mourning a heavy loss. Today, January 17, 2026, those flags are lowered across Arizona to honor the memory of former Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
Governor Katie Hobbs issued the directive earlier this week. It wasn't just a sudden whim. The order came shortly after the news broke that Brnovich, who served as the state's top lawyer for two terms, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59.
He was a fixture in Arizona politics for years. Whether you agreed with his legal stances or not, his impact on the state's judicial landscape was undeniable.
Why are flags in Arizona at half mast today and what it means
The specific reason for the lowering of the flags is a formal state tribute. Under Arizona law and executive protocol, the Governor has the authority to lower the flags to honor prominent public servants. Mark Brnovich fits that bill perfectly. He wasn't just an attorney general; he was also a federal prosecutor and the director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Basically, the guy spent his entire adult life in the "public arena."
Brnovich died earlier this week, reportedly from a heart attack at his home. Because he was such a high-ranking official—serving from 2015 all the way through early 2023—the flag protocol is a standard sign of respect. Governor Hobbs, despite being from the opposite side of the political aisle, noted his "decades of service to the people of Arizona" when she made the announcement.
It’s kinda interesting how flag protocol works. You might see the American flag and the Arizona state flag both lowered. Usually, when a state official passes, the Governor orders all state buildings to comply. You'll see it at the Capitol in Phoenix, at local courthouses, and even at some schools or post offices that choose to follow the state's lead.
A legacy of "Nunchucks and Grateful Dead"
Mark Brnovich wasn't your typical buttoned-up politician. If you ever followed him on social media, you probably saw the video of him showing off his nunchuck skills. He was a huge fan of martial arts.
He was also a self-proclaimed "Deadhead."
He once described himself as the "Jerry Garcia of Arizona politics." Just a few days before he died, he actually posted on social media mourning the loss of Bob Weir. It’s surreal to think about now.
The legal and political weight of his career
When people ask why are flags in Arizona at half mast today, they are often looking for the "why" behind the person being honored. Brnovich’s tenure was anything but quiet. He was at the center of some of the biggest legal battles in the state's history.
- He was a massive proponent of the death penalty. He pushed hard to resume executions in Arizona after a long pause, arguing that the "ultimate crimes deserve the ultimate punishment."
- He had a complicated relationship with the 2020 election. He famously certified the results despite heavy pressure from his own party, though he later faced criticism for how his office handled certain investigative reports.
- He took on "Big Tech" and corporate interests. He wasn't afraid to file suits against companies like Google over privacy issues.
He was married to Susan Brnovich, a federal judge. They were a bit of a legal power couple in the Southwest. His death at 59 caught almost everyone by surprise. It’s relatively young for a guy who seemed to have so much energy.
How long will the flags stay down?
Usually, these orders last for a specific window. For a former constitutional officer like an Attorney General, it’s common to see the flags lowered from the day of the announcement through the day of interment.
If you're wondering if there are other reasons flags might be down today, it's worth noting that January 17, 2026, also coincides with local events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (since the holiday weekend is starting). However, the specific state-wide half-staff order currently active is tied directly to the passing of Mark Brnovich.
What you should do if you fly a flag
If you manage a business or just have a flagpole at your house, you aren't legally required to lower your flag unless you're a government entity. But many Arizonans do it as a sign of community solidarity.
If you decide to join the tribute, remember the proper way to do it. You’re supposed to hoist the flag to the very top (the peak) for an instant before lowering it to the halfway point. When you take it down at the end of the day, you should raise it back to the peak again before lowering it all the way.
It’s a small ritual, but it carries a lot of weight for the families of those being honored.
To stay updated on these changes, you can check the Arizona Department of Administration's website or sign up for flag alerts through the Governor's office. These orders happen more often than you'd think—sometimes for fallen soldiers, sometimes for first responders, and sometimes for long-serving leaders like Brnovich.
Knowing the story behind the lowered flag helps us stay connected to the history happening right in our backyard.
For those looking to pay their respects or learn more about the memorial services, the Brnovich family is expected to release details regarding a public service in the Phoenix area later this week. Checking local news outlets like 12News or the Arizona Republic will give you the most current timing on those arrangements.