In response to inquiries we have received, the Office of the Secretary of State would like to explain the recent implementation of Public Law 110-41 [2007]. This federal law authorizes the Governor of a State to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that State who dies while serving on active duty. To further honor the sacrifice of this individual, the Governor has ordered both the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff.
https://sos.maryland.gov/Pages/Services/Flag-Status.aspx
The relevant federal law is at Title 4, Section 7(m).
Additionally, “The flag shall be flown at half-staff . . . from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress.”
I mean, I certainly support first responders and veterans, but this isn’t appropriate.