Days ahead of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives approved a measure establishing a “National Day of Remembrance” for the conservative activist, who was killed on Sept. 10.
But it wasn’t anything former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and dozens of other House Democrats wanted anything to do with, as was made obvious by their actions.
Pelosi, whose husband Paul was himself a victim of political violence, was among 22 Democrats who walked out and declined to vote on the Kirk resolution. She did, however, participate in the vote on the short-term government funding bill, ABC News reported.
Reports said in total, 96 Democrats declined to support the resolution.
Meanwhile, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating Oct. 14, 2025 — Kirk’s birthday — as a “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.”
On the floor of the chamber, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who led the effort, said he was “proud to have the support of more than 20 of my colleagues to honor Charlie by dedicating his birthday” as a day of remembrance.
“Charlie was a good man — a devout husband, father, and friend. His life was shaped by his faith and the idea that in America, debate and discussion are crucial to the betterment of our country,” Scott said, per ABC.
In the approved resolution, the Senate “recognizes Charlie Kirk for his contributions to civic education and public service” and “encourages educational institutions, civic organizations and citizens across the United States to observe this day.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Thursday that the House of Representatives will “soon pass a resolution honoring the life and legacy of our friend Charlie Kirk, and condemning the political violence that led to his untimely passing.”
“We passed a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, my late friend, the friend of so many in this chamber, and we called out political violence in America,” Johnson told reporters following the vote.
Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10 while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Following a two-day manhunt, authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was charged Tuesday with multiple offenses, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty.
Additional charges include felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced.
Robinson made his first court appearance Tuesday, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for Sept. 29. According to charging documents, before surrendering to police, Robinson told his parents he acted because “there is too much evil and the guy [Charlie Kirk] spreads too much hate.”
He also allegedly texted his roommate – a transgender lover – after the shooting that he had “had enough of this hatred.”
“Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” one of the messages read, per charging documents.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau is investigating “anyone and everyone” connected to a Discord group chat where the suspect allegedly admitted to shooting Charlie Kirk about two hours before his arrest.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all…It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this,” one of the messages allegedly said on the chat platform.
Patel also said last week there are “a lot more” than 20 people linked to Robinson on the Discord app and that the FBI is “running them all down.” He added that a “number of individuals” are currently being investigated.
Kirk’s memorial service is scheduled for Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and members of Kirk’s family expected to attend.
