By Naman Trivedi

Copyright timesnownews

Beni Rae Harmony, a local anchor at ABC affiliate WICS in Springfield, Illinois, has resigned after being suspended for delivering an emotional on-air tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The segment, which aired live on Friday, featured Harmony tearing up as she honored Kirk, whom she described as a personal mentor. Harmony said her decision to resign was not political, but based on principle, stating she refused to compromise her values to keep her job. Following her suspension, Harmony announced her resignation in a statement posted to social media, where she said, “Effective immediately, I have resigned from @WICS_ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday. Many in the mainstream media have been fired or punished for mocking his assassination. I believe I am the first to be targeted for honoring him on air.” She continued, “My resignation is guided by values that are essential to who I am, which I refuse to set aside in order to keep a job. I choose my faith and love of country, and always will.” “Thank you, Springfield. My home. My community. My people. ❤️ God Bless Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family, and God Bless these United States of America,” she concluded. Harmony’s departure comes amid a wave of suspensions and firings across the US in response to public comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. While many have been penalized for mocking or celebrating his death, Harmony says she was suspended, and ultimately resigned, for honoring him on air. The fallout has affected a wide range of individuals, including a political pundit, a university employee, a sports reporter, and even a US Secret Service agent. Teachers and professors have also reportedly faced disciplinary action or termination for their remarks. Kirk was shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. His killing has sparked a broader national debate over political violence and the growing professional risks tied to expressing opinions on polarizing public figures. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.