Two of Michigan’s U.S. representatives were among the 58 members of the House who voted Friday against a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and condemning political violence.
The U.S. House passed the resolution honoring Kirk, a prominent conservative influencer who was assassinated last week at an event in Utah, by a 310-58 vote. Nearly 100 Democrats joined Republicans in voting in favor of the resolution.
The Hill reported the vote was politically tough for many Democrats, writing that these politicans didn’t want to be seen as celebrating Kirk’s politics but also didn’t want to appear as condoning political violence or his killing.
U.S. Reps. Shri Thanedar and Rashida Tlaib, both Democrats who represent portions of Detroit and surrounding areas, voted against the measure.
“Political violence should never be tolerated,” Thanedar said in a statement. “However, empathy is not celebration, and I do not have to call Charlie Kirk a hero. He was no such thing. He repeatedly disparaged minorities, especially Black Americans, and that’s why I voted NO on today’s resolution.”
One of those comments provided by Thanedar’s team was a quote from Kirk in 2024 saying, “You wanna go thought crime? I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m gonna be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’”
According to Yahoo News, Kirk made that remark during a discussion about affirmative action and diversity initiatives for airline pilots, arguing for having the most qualified person at the helm.
Tlaib’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her vote.
Kirk, who headed the preeminent conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck by a sniper while hosting a debate Sept. 10 in Utah. Kirk also played a key role in helping get out youth voters in support of Trump in the last election.
The alleged killer, 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson, remains in police custody. Robinson was charged Tuesday with aggravated murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
The House resolution describes Kirk as someone “whose steadfast dedication to the Constitution, civil discourse, and Biblical truth inspired a generation to cherish and defend the blessings of liberty.”
It also condemns political violence and calls on all Americans to do the same. Additionally, it extends condolences to Kirk’s family and commends law enforcement for their efforts in finding the suspect in Kirk’s killing.
U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, was among the Michigan Democrats who voted for the resolution.
In a statement, Scholten said it’s rare that she votes for something in Congress where she agrees with every word as written.
“That is true of this resolution as much as any other,” Scholten said. “This resolution asks Congress to condemn this horrible murder and all forms of political violence. As someone deeply committed to lowering the temperature and bringing us back together as a country, I voted yes.
“Our work to protect our democratic freedoms, including the freedom of speech and the values of respect and tolerance, continues.”
Kirk’s slaying comes amid rising political violence in the U.S.
One Minnesota lawmaker was killed and another wounded in what police said was a politically motivated attack in June.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home was set afire with his family inside in April, and President Donald Trump was wounded in an assassination attempt during a rally last year. Neither Shapiro nor his family were injured.
Last week, Michigan Lt. Gov. Gilchrist and President Pro Tempore of the Michigan Senate Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, said they received threats to bomb their respective homes.