FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 19, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:

“I will always condemn senseless acts of political violence. No American—regardless of party or ideology—should fear retribution or violence for speaking freely. Charlie Kirk’s murder was a horrific act of political violence and a stain on the United States, and any nation where young children lose their father solely because of the opinions he espoused is a nation in desperate need of healing and a different path forward. I extend my deepest condolences to the Kirk family, friends, and loved ones, and I pray for strength and comfort for his wife, Erika, their two young children, and all who mourn his loss. I also commend law enforcement and the suspect’s family for their cooperation in seeking justice for this heinous crime.

“As a Black woman in America, I am painfully mindful of our nation’s history and the violence rooted in bigotry and hate that continues to impact Black and brown communities. And that is precisely why I cannot in good conscience vote to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s legacy. Mr. Kirk denounced the Civil Rights Act of 1964, describing it as a ‘mistake’ and an ‘anti-white weapon.’ He disparaged the transformative work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who gave his life for peace and equality. He demeaned Black women, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and others in positions of leadership, dismissing their intelligence and accomplishments as nothing more than ‘DEI hires.’ He also spread disinformation and hate-fueled rhetoric against Muslim, Jewish, and immigrant communities, while championing lax gun laws despite the devastating toll of gun violence in our nation.

“Rather than seek to heal a wounded union, this bill aims only to push us further apart. For these reasons, I cannot and will not vote to honor a legacy defined by bigotry and division. To do so would dishonor the countless victims of political violence who are too often ignored. If we are to recognize one, we must recognize all. Mr. Kirk undoubtedly valued his right to exercise the First Amendment. Yet I am deeply troubled by how this administration has chosen to weaponize free speech, targeting critics under the guise of honoring his legacy. Free speech is essential to our democracy—but it cannot be used as a shield for hate.

“If my colleagues feel compelled to pass this legislation, that is their decision. I have paid respects to Mr. Kirk and his family, but I will not pretend to respect the painful words and ideas he so proudly held, nor will I honor a man who built a career out of dishonoring people like me. I, however, will instead lend my support to Representative Veasey and Pettersen’s resolution that ‘condemns all forms of political violence, including assassination and attempted assassination of public officials, candidates, and public figures, regardless of political party or ideology.’ If Republican leadership is serious about addressing this crisis of political violence rather than scoring political points over Democrats, so will they.”

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