The measure lauds Kirk as someone who was committed to respectful discourse in challenging narratives while standing on principle.
The House of Representatives on Sept. 19 passed a resolution remembering conservative influencer Charlie Kirk and condemning his assassination.
The tally was 310–58 with 38 voting “present.”
House Resolution 719 was introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and cosponsored by 196 Republicans. No Democrats cosponsored it.
Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University while answering an attendee’s question about mass shootings. This appearance was part of his “American Comeback” tour. He was 31 years old. He is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children. His funeral is scheduled for Sept. 21.
The resolution states that Kirk “was a devoted Christian, who boldly lived out his faith with conviction, courage, and compassion,” and “a dedicated husband,” and “a loving father to their daughter and son, exemplifying the virtues of faith, fidelity, and fatherhood.”
Kirk cofounded Turning Point USA in 2012 with businessman Bill Montgomery, with the financial support of GOP donor Foster Freiss. Its goal is to promote conservative values by appealing to young people, especially college students. Its mission statement is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.”
Erika Kirk will lead Turning Point USA following her husband’s death.
The resolution praises Kirk as someone who was “a fierce defender of the American founding and its timeless principles of life, liberty, limited government, and individual responsibility” in addition to someone who was “one of the most prominent voices in America, engaging in respectful, civil discourse across college campuses, media platforms, and national forums, always seeking to elevate truth, foster understanding, and strengthen the Republic.”
The resolution lauds Kirk as someone who was committed to respectful discourse in challenging narratives while standing on principle.
The resolution states that Kirk’s assassination “was not only a heinous act of violence, but a sobering reminder of the growing threat posed by political extremism and hatred in our society.”
It also reads that “acts of politically motivated violence are antithetical to the principles of a free republic, in which differences of opinion are to be debated—not silenced—with civility, reason, and mutual respect.”
Additionally, the resolution says that “the rise in targeted violence against individuals for their political beliefs undermines the very fabric of our constitutional democracy and chills the free exchange of ideas essential to a healthy civic society.”
It calls on “leaders at every level—government, education, media, and beyond—must stand united in unequivocal condemnation of political violence, regardless of their ideology.”
President Donald Trump has said he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” he said on Sept. 11.
“We miss him greatly. Yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
The date of the ceremony is to be determined, but Trump predicted there will be a huge turnout.
