The House of Representatives has passed a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated in Utah, following a bipartisan vote. The resolution, introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson, condemns the murder and calls on Americans to reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, and uphold American values. While the resolution received backing from both Republicans and some Democrats, it faced criticism from within the Democratic Party, particularly from the Congressional Black Caucus, which argued that it legitimizes Kirk’s worldview, which includes ideas many Americans find racist, harmful, and fundamentally un-American.
The measure was adopted on a 310-58 vote, with nearly 100 Democrats joining Republicans in support. However, 58 Democrats opposed the measure, while others voted present or did not participate. The Democratic Party’s internal division highlights the broader challenges of achieving consensus on issues of political violence and the moral implications of endorsing figures associated with divisive ideologies. The Congressional Black Caucus released a statement criticizing the resolution, stating that it was not about healing or lowering the temperature of political discourse but rather an attempt to legitimize Kirk’s worldview. Forty-two of the 58 Democratic opponents are members of the CBC.
Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) introduced an alternative measure this week condemning political violence in general, citing Kirk’s murder and last year’s assassination attempts against President Donald Trump, as well as attacks targeting Democrats and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The measure garnered 118 cosponsors, all Democrats, as of Friday. This alternative proposal reflects the growing sentiment within the Democratic Party to address political violence more broadly without endorsing controversial figures associated with divisive ideologies.