[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 154 (Friday, September 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CHARLES ``CHARLIE'' JAMES KIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2025

  Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, as I expressed last week following 
Charlie Kirk's horrifying assassination, my heart goes out to Mr. 
Kirk's family and loved ones. The loss of anyone in such a violent 
manner is tragic and sadly all too common. It has raised important 
issues including the need to address gun violence, political violence, 
and the way all Americans relate to one another. Increasingly violent 
rhetoric in our politics and culture is manifesting itself in 
increasing political violence.
  I'm grateful that this resolution addresses some of these issues.
  I remember the series of assassinations and attempted assassinations 
that rocked the country in the 1960's and 1970's: Medgar Evers, John 
and Robert Kennedy, George Lincoln Rockwell, Martin Luther King, 
Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, Richard Nixon, and George Wallace. Hate, 
discrimination, and distrust led to political violence that tore the 
country apart. We need a national conversation about how we learn the 
lessons of our past and build a better future for everyone.
  I encourage us all to reflect on the country we want to live in. And 
to ensure our words and actions point us in that direction. If we are 
to have a thriving democracy, we must be able to disagree and fight for 
what we believe in without denying each other's humanity. Much of the 
political rhetoric in recent years has failed this test. I pray we 
return to a place where, despite our differences, we can recognize the 
humanity in every one of us.
  Tackling these issues will require a thoughtful and honest national 
conversation. The resolution that we will vote on today called on 
Members to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk. I could not honestly lend 
my name to his legacy. Charlie Kirk had a conviction and passion for 
expressing his opinions and for moving them forward in the national 
conversation. Unfortunately, much of that legacy involved hateful 
rhetoric about many fellow Americans, specifically the LGBTQ community, 
Muslims, and other minorities, particularly Black women. For that 
reason, I will not vote for this resolution.
  Mr. Kirk's assassination was a horrible crime against him, his 
family, and our Nation. I pray for all three.

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