CLAYTON — A symbolic St. Louis County Council resolution to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked bitter debate between St. Louis-area residents who view his legacy as hateful and those who believe he dedicated his life to free speech.
Republican Councilman Mark Harder’s symbolic resolution calls on council members to recognize Kirk, who was killed in a shooting last week. The resolution honors Kirk’s “life and legacy,” and his commitment to “truth, freedom and constitutional principles,” and “to faith, family and country.” The resolution also asks council members to condemn the violence that ended Kirk’s life.
Supporters of the resolution said at Tuesday night’s meeting that the resolution is not an endorsement of Kirk’s opinions, but rather a recognition of the right to free speech.
“These are the principles we live by,” said Rene Artman, chair of the St. Louis County Republican Party.
But those who opposed the resolution said Kirk’s legacy cannot be separated from the resolution’s language.
St Louis County NAACP President John Bowman told council members that the NAACP “cannot ignore that Mr. Kirk’s public record is defined by rhetoric that undermined civil rights, dismissed the struggles of marginalized communities, disrespected African American women and spread division.”
“Our community needs resolutions that heal, not that open wounds,” Bowman said.
The council had not yet voted on the resolution by 7:45 p.m.
Other speakers said Kirk improved their lives, including Gary Adkins of south St. Louis County. He said Kirk helped him find Christianity.
“He showed me a path to be a better man,” Adkins said.
Sydney Jackson said it would be “gross and deeply inappropriate” for the council to honor Kirk.
“He used his platform to uphold hateful ideas,” Jackson said. “Misogyny, sexism, bigotry and xenophobia are not political opinions.”
Republican State Rep. David Casteel, of High Ridge, said whether the council agrees with Kirk or not, they should support the resolution because it honors free speech. He also said Americans need to recognize division driven by social media and “mindless scrolling” online.
“I think we should lay off the phones for awhile,” Casteel said.
The Ethical Society of Police, an organization representing primarily Black St. Louis-area police officers, said in a statement Tuesday that Kirk spread harmful rhetoric and misinformation, undermining civil rights.
“Taxpayer-funded agencies should not be in the business of legitimizing hate, disinformation or political extremism,” the statement said. “Our government must remain a space where all citizens feel respected and protected — not one that uplifts voices working to divide us.”
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page condemned Kirk’s killing.
“The political violence in this country is undermining our Democracy,” Page said, adding that “Charlie’s opinions are very different from mine.”
Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University last week. Bipartisan officials nationwide condemned Kirk’s assassination, but some commentators have been fired for their comments on his death.
Turning Point USA, Kirk’s conservative organization, activated young voters, especially on college campuses, to fuel President Donald Trump’s campaigns and the “Make America Great Again” movement. His college visits and massive rallies stirred controversy over gun rights, abortion and immigration, among other issues.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Kelsey Landis | Post-Dispatch
St. Louis County government reporter
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