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The House voted Friday to pass a resolution honoring slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and condemning political violence, but the measure revealed deep divisions among Democrats over how to remember the polarizing figure.
The nonbinding resolution passed 310–58, with all Republicans and more than 90 Democrats voting in favor. Fifty-eight Democrats opposed it outright, while another 38 voted “present.” The vote came nine days after Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The 31-year-old activist, whose organization helped mobilize youth support for Donald Trump in 2024, was remembered in the resolution for his “commitment to civil discussion and debate” and as someone who “worked tirelessly to promote unity without compromising on conviction.” The shooter has been charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder.
Democrats divided on legacy
While lawmakers of both parties condemned the killing, the resolution’s wording split Democrats, many of whom criticized Kirk’s controversial record.
Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., said she could not support language praising Kirk’s respect for civil discourse. “As a Black woman, the verbal assault on so many Black women coming out of his mouth stunned me,” Wilson told NBC News, citing his past attacks on Michelle Obama, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and others. “This country stands on the shoulders of Black women.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., one of Kirk’s most vocal critics, had previously called it “effed up” that some described him as a champion of civil debate after his death.
But other progressives, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., backed the measure. “In general, the statement opposes and deplores political violence, and we need to oppose and denounce political violence across the board, in every case,” Raskin said.
Leadership walks a fine line
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who sponsored the resolution, praised Kirk as a “courageous American patriot” and recalled his willingness to extend kindness even after fierce debates. “It wasn’t about winning the policy arguments. It was about the people,” Johnson said in a floor speech.
Democratic leaders offered no unified directive. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told members Thursday that he and his team would vote yes but encouraged colleagues to follow their conscience, according to Democratic aides.
A Democratic aide described the resolution as “very down the middle and straightforward,” while acknowledging the difficulty many members faced reconciling Kirk’s legacy with the broader message against political violence.
Funeral set for Sunday
The resolution also called on political leaders to unite in condemning violence “regardless of ideology” and urged Americans to recommit to “respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another.”
Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for Sunday in Arizona, with President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans expected to attend.
