The House of Representatives reportedly voted Friday to honor the life and legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, adopting a resolution that also condemned political violence in America.
The measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, though it exposed deep divisions among Democrats about how to grapple with Kirk’s impact and the growing unease within their party over condemning violence without reservation.
The resolution, introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) just nine days after Kirk was fatally shot during a rally in Utah, passed by a vote of 310 to 58.
Ninety-five Democrats joined Republicans in support, while 38 Democrats voted “present” and 58 opposed it outright.
For Republicans, the vote was a straightforward matter of principle. “There was no reason, and no excuse, for Democrats to vote no on this resolution,” Johnson said ahead of the tally.
He emphasized that the measure contained “no partisan language” and served only to honor Kirk’s contributions while denouncing the political violence that claimed his life.
The resolution describes Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, as a “courageous American patriot” who “boldly lived out his faith with conviction, courage, and compassion.”
It praises his tireless efforts to “promote unity without compromising on conviction” and underscores his influence in inspiring young Americans to defend liberty and uphold the Constitution.
Beyond celebrating Kirk’s life, the resolution frames his assassination as “a sobering reminder of the growing threat posed by political extremism and hatred in our society.”
It calls on leaders across “government, education, media, and beyond” to stand united in rejecting political violence, while urging all Americans to recommit to “respectful debate” and “American values.”
The measure also commends law enforcement and first responders for their efforts in the aftermath of the attack, extends condolences to Kirk’s widow Erika and his two children, and affirms the House’s opposition to political violence of any kind.
Yet Democrats found themselves cornered. Party leaders, wary of appearing soft on violence, advised their members to vote as they saw fit.
For many, it was a lose-lose choice: oppose the resolution and risk appearing to excuse political violence, or support it and honor a man they had often criticized as divisive. “It’s a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ situation,” Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, admitted.
That discomfort was evident in the split vote. While Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate Democrats have cautiously praised Kirk’s legacy in recent days, many House Democrats bristled at what they saw as Republican attempts to elevate a figure they compared to Donald Trump.
Their hesitation underscored how toxic partisanship has become, even in moments of national tragedy.
The Senate earlier this week adopted its own resolution honoring Kirk and condemning his assassination by unanimous consent.
House Republicans, meanwhile, have marked the activist’s death with a vigil in the Capitol and a moment of silence on the House floor, both of which drew only token Democratic participation.
Though the resolution carries no force of law, its passage sends a symbolic but forceful message: the House, by a wide bipartisan margin, declared that Charlie Kirk’s murder was not merely the loss of a conservative leader but an attack on the nation’s commitment to free expression, faith, and civil discourse.
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