On Friday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed the House floor ahead of a vote to honor the slain conservative figure Charlie Kirk. However, instead of offering condolences, she used the opportunity to challenge his legacy, accusing him of harboring hateful views and even making false claims that he was anti-Semitic.
During her speech, Ocasio-Cortez argued that supporting the resolution was akin to endorsing the discriminatory practices of the Jim Crow era. “The majority advanced a resolution that reopens wounds for millions of Americans who lived through segregation, Jim Crow laws, and generations of systemic prejudice,” she stated.
She went on to say: “We must be honest about who Charlie Kirk was. He rejected the Civil Rights Act, which secured Black Americans’ right to vote. After the violent assault on Paul Pelosi, he praised the idea that ‘some amazing patriot’ should bail out the attacker. He also spread harmful beliefs, claiming Jewish people controlled not only higher education but also non-profits, Hollywood, and the film industry.”
Ocasio-Cortez concluded by denouncing Kirk’s rhetoric as divisive: “His views were steeped in ignorance and aimed to strip millions of their rights. That is far from the image of a man who ‘worked tirelessly to promote unity,’ as this resolution claims.”
Kirk, who was assassinated last week on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, has since become the focal point of a heated political debate. The accused shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been arraigned on seven counts and now faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
As preparations for Kirk’s memorial service continued, scheduled for Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, both the House and Senate moved to mark his life. The two chambers passed measures declaring a “National Day of Remembrance” in his honor.
However, many Democrats resisted the resolution. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi — herself directly impacted by political violence when her husband Paul was attacked — was one of 22 Democrats who walked out of the House vote in protest. She did, however, cast a vote on the government funding bill that same day. In total, nearly 100 House Democrats withheld support for the resolution honoring Kirk, signaling their opposition.
In stark contrast, the Senate acted unanimously, approving October 14, 2025 — Kirk’s birthday — as a national day of remembrance. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who spearheaded the effort, told colleagues: “I’m proud that more than 20 senators joined me in dedicating Charlie’s birthday to his memory. He was a man of faith, a devoted husband and father, and someone who believed in the power of debate and dialogue to strengthen our nation.”
The Senate resolution officially recognized Kirk’s contributions to civic education and public service and urged schools, civic groups, and citizens across the country to observe the day.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed that sentiment, saying: “The House will soon honor the life and legacy of our friend Charlie Kirk while condemning the act of political violence that took him from us. We passed this resolution to remember his work, his values, and to stand against the violence that threatens democracy.”
Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue. Robinson, who appeared in court for the first time this week, is scheduled to return on September 29. Charging documents have revealed chilling details: before turning himself in, Robinson reportedly told his parents he acted because “there is too much evil in the world, and Charlie Kirk spreads too much hate.”