Huge debate sparked as National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk has been declared for October 14
The Senate has confirmed that October 14 is to be a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.
The political activist was talking at Utah Valley University when he was assassinated, with suspected killer Tyler Robinson later arrested following a manhunt.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, had been answering questions on campus, and had just replied to a query about gun violence when he was shot once in the neck.
In the wake of his killing, a gun with bullets and casings with messages engraved were discovered, saying things like “Hey fascist! Catch!”, “Oh, Bella ciao,” and a third was inscribed with: “Notices, bulges, OWO, what's this?”.
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Multiple people have been sacked for 'celebrating' the death of the 31-year-old, while General Attorney Pam Bondi also issued a threat to businesses who would refuse to print off posters for a memorial or vigil for Kirk.
Now, news of a National Day of Remembrance has been met with unhappiness by some.
The Senate passed a resolution for October 14th to be commemorated, citing his advocacy 'for free speech and faith', as well as him being a 'champion for individual liberty'.
The resolution said that Kirk "consistently promoted the values of individual liberty, open debate, the importance of civic engagement, and the defence of constitutional principles."
The date, October 14th, was chosen as it would have been his 42nd birthday, however, critics have noted that this was also George Floyd's birthday.
When the news was shared, one person hit back, writing: "This is a real slap in the face to the parents who have lost their children to gun violence and children who have witnessed and gone through it. This is so pathetic."
Another asked: "What about a day for all the children killed by guns in schools?" as this person agreed: "Wouldn't it make more sense to declare a day to honor all the school children who have lost their lives to gun violence than it would a far right political influencer...???"
"What? It's GEORGE FLOYD's birthday too!" wrote another, as someone else replied: "Is it?! That's just adding insult to injury..."
Someone else argued: "All lives matter period - this picking and choosing and pointing fingers is childish! Charlie didn't deserve to die, George didn't deserve to die, regardless of political feelings! We are all God's children but so many don’t get that."
Meanwhile, others were celebrating the news: "Great decision!!! Honoring one the greatest Americans of this age. Charlie Kirk you will be always remembered," wrote one.
"Great idea, Charlie would be so happy. I'm pretty sure he's dancing right now since he heard the news from heaven out of joy," insisted one supporter.
Meanwhile, Kirk's accused killer appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday, September 16, and after reading out his charges Utah County attorney Jeff Gray said: “The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy.”
The next hearing is scheduled for September 29.
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Politics, US News, News
Jen Thomas