WASHINGTON – On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives stood firmly against political violence by passing a House Resolution to honor the life and legacy of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk. U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers voted in support of the resolution on Friday and attended a vigil in Kirk’s honor earlier this week on Capitol Hill. 

“Charlie Kirk launched widespread thought-provoking peaceful debate, inspiring the next generation to be educated about civics and engaged in their right to vote, and their freedom of religion. His incredible life was shamefully cut short, but it is my hope that his voice will continue to live through those he inspired to speak boldly about their beliefs,” said Congressman Rogers. “I applaud my House colleagues for passing this resolution to condemn all forms of political violence; however, it should have been unanimous.” 

The measure passed, with 58 House Democrats voting against the resolution. 

The House Resolution states the following:

Whereas Charles ‘‘Charlie’’ James Kirk, born October 14, 1993, was a courageous American patriot, whose life was tragically and unjustly cut short in an act of political violence on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University; 

Whereas Charlie Kirk was a devoted Christian, who boldly lived out his faith with conviction, courage, and compassion; 

Whereas Charlie Kirk was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Erika Kirk, and a loving father to their daughter and son, exemplifying the virtues of faith, fidelity, and fatherhood; 

Whereas Charlie Kirk was a fierce defender of the American founding and its timeless principles of life, liberty, limited government, and individual responsibility; 

Whereas Charlie Kirk, at 18 years old, founded Turning Point USA in 2012, a student movement with the mission to ‘‘identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government’’;

Whereas Charlie Kirk became 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; 

Whereas Charlie Kirk personified the values of the First Amendment, exercising his God-given right to speak freely, challenge prevailing narratives, and did so with honor, courage, and respect for his fellow Americans; 

Whereas Charlie Kirk’s commitment to civil discussion and debate stood as a model for young Americans across the political spectrum, and he worked tirelessly to promote unity without compromising on conviction; 

Whereas the assassination of Charlie Kirk 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; 

Whereas such 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;

Whereas 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; 

Whereas leaders at every level—government, education, media, and beyond—must stand united in unequivocal condemnation of political violence, regardless of their ideology;

Whereas the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk must not be allowed to deepen the divides in our Nation, but instead serve as a turning point to recommit ourselves to better angels, and to the timeless American principles of liberty governed by truth and the virtues of peaceful dialogue; and 

Whereas Charlie Kirk would not have us respond to his death with despair, but rather with renewed purpose—to speak truth with courage, to stand firm in faith, to seek unity while standing firm in principle, and to serve as living reminders of the values he championed: faith, family, and freedom: 

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the assassination of Charles ‘‘Charlie’’ James Kirk, and all forms of political violence; 

(2) commends and honors the dedicated law enforcement and emergency personnel for their tireless efforts in finding the suspect responsible for the assassination of Charlie Kirk and urges the administration of swift justice to the suspect; 

(3) extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to Charlie Kirk’s family, including his wife, Erika, and their two young children, and prays for comfort, peace, and healing in this time of unspeakable loss; 

(4) honors the life, leadership, and legacy of Charlie Kirk, whose steadfast dedication to the Constitution, civil discourse, and Biblical truth inspired a generation to cherish and defend the blessings of liberty; and 

(5) calls upon all Americans—regardless of race, party affiliation, or creed—to reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another as fellow Americans.

####

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.