AOC says House resolution honoring Charlie Kirk pushes 'legacy of bigotry' despite 'horrific' killing

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), voiced strong opposition on Friday to a resolution honoring the “life and legacy” of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University last week.

The House measure, introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson, passed with bipartisan support in a 310-58 vote. While Republicans largely backed it, Democrats were split, with 95 in favor, 58 against, and 22 not voting.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says resolution deepens national divide

Ocasio-Cortez was among the Democrats who voted against the resolution. On the House floor, she said condemning Kirk’s killing was essential, but honoring his “legacy” went too far.

“Charlie Kirk's killing was a horrific and vile attack, an incident of political violence," she said.

"And condemning the depravity of Kirk's brutal murder is a straightforward matter, one that is especially important to help stabilize an increasingly unsafe and volatile political environment where everyday people feel more at risk,” Ocasio-Cortez added.

She further said, “We can disagree with Charlie and come together as a country to denounce the horror of killing. That is a bedrock American value.”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticizes resolution for honoring Charlie Kirk’s beliefs

Ocasio-Cortez accused House Republicans of using the resolution to “divide” Americans rather than unite them.

She said, “The majority proceeded with a resolution that brings great pain to the millions of Americans who endured segregation, Jim Crow, and the legacy of bigotry today.”

She argued that Kirk’s public positions should not be glossed over, saying, “Kirk’s rhetoric and beliefs were ignorant, uneducated and sought to disenfranchise millions of Americans, far from the ‘working tirelessly to promote unity’ asserted by the majority in this resolution.”

The New York congresswoman also extended condolences, stating, “We continue to pray for Mr Kirk's family and loved ones in the wake of this terrible act. I am thinking, especially of his children and his wife, whose grief cannot be measured,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

Internet erupts against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Ocasio-Cortez’s words drew sharp criticism online, with some users accusing her of being insensitive so soon after Kirk’s death.

“You’re blinded by hatred. You need to work on yourself,” one user wrote on X.

Another posted, “I hope the Kirk family sues you for defamation. You are classless, uneducated and immoral. I won’t even call you a human.”

“This is disgusting. Beneath the dignity of your office. Haven't even had the funeral yet,” another wrote.

“I am pretty sure his killing brought a lot of pain to Americans. She is not reading the room and catering to the worst of her party,” another added.

Another comment read, “This is such an easy issue for bipartisan support and they just can’t make themselves be decent people for even this.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online