Speaker Mike Johnson calls Democrats’ rejection of House resolution on Charlie Kirk ‘shameful’

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson sharply criticized Democrats on Friday, September 19, for failing to fully support a resolution honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10 during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.

The resolution passed the House with a 310-58 vote, yet 58 Democrats, including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), voted against it.

Among Democrats, 58 opposed the resolution, 38 voted “present,” and 22 did not cast a vote.

House Speaker calls out Democrats over Charlie Kirk resolution

Speaking on Fox Business’s Kudlow, Johnson described the resolution as nonpartisan and a celebration of Kirk’s life, patriotism, and commitment to free speech.

“118 Democrats this afternoon, Larry, decided not to vote or to vote no on this resolution. All it does is affirm a young American who died too early, who gave his life to American principles and values and patriotism and free speech,” Johnson said.

“And it decried the assassination and political violence that’s taken over our country. Democrats voted against that, and I think it’s shameful.”

Johnson noted that members across the aisle had initially expressed interest in recognizing Kirk’s legacy, but some Democrats ultimately withheld support. While House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his leadership team reportedly backed the measure, 38 Democrats voted “present,” and 22 abstained entirely.

“Everyone in Congress wanted to take some action. They wanted to go on record to affirm the incredible legacy and the life of our friend Charlie Kirk. Now the Democrats didn’t see it the same way, and in spite of that lofty language, that you just read there, that’s a sampling of the language in the resolution. There’s nothing partisan about it at all,” Johnson added.

NRCC criticizes Democratic leadership after Kirk vote

Following the vote, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) blasted Democrats for what it called a refusal to condemn politically motivated violence.

“The modern Democrat Party is simply too radical and unhinged to condemn a politically motivated assassination and honor a man and father of two whose only crime was loving America, winning the debate in the proper fashion, and inspiring others to do the same,” NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella said in a statement.

Authorities have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk’s attack, with investigators linking him to far-left ideology.

Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was hosting one of his hallmark “Prove Me Wrong” sessions as part of his American Comeback Tour when the attack occurred.

Kirk leaves behind his wife, former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.