GLENDALE, Ariz. – On Memorial Day, as a memorial service was held for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) publicly defended her “no” vote on a House resolution that would have honored Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, 2025.
Appearing on CNN, Crockett explained her opposition by pointing to Kirk’s history of rhetoric that targeted communities of color. The resolution, which passed the House on September 19, 2025, was opposed by 58 Democrats. Crockett noted that only two white Democrats joined the majority of the Democratic caucus in voting against the measure.
The timing and content of Crockett’s comments, made on a day dedicated to honoring American service members, drew immediate criticism from conservative figures, who accused her of politicizing the holiday and disrespecting the deceased. The incident underscores the deep partisan tensions surrounding political rhetoric and violence.
The vote and the subsequent debate highlight the ongoing national struggle to reconcile the legacies of controversial public figures in the aftermath of violence.
