‘OUR FRIEND’: House Speaker Johnson organized an all-member vigil for Charlie Kirk on Capitol Hill on Monday, drawing a large number of Republican lawmakers and some Democrats…. Exclusive

House Speaker Mike Johnson led a solemn vigil for conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk at the U.S. Capitol, bringing together lawmakers from both parties to pay their respects.

The event, held in Statuary Hall, featured remarks and prayers from Johnson and other prominent Republican figures, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Majority Whip Tom Emmer.

*Key Moments from the Vigil:*

– *Johnson’s Remarks*: Speaker Johnson praised Kirk’s legacy, saying, “The best way to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk is to live as he lived.” He encouraged young people to advance Kirk’s principles of faith, freedom, family, virtue, patriotism and America.

– *Lawmakers’ Tributes*: Scalise emphasized the importance of faith in the wake of Kirk’s death, referencing Isaiah 43.

Emmer highlighted Kirk’s contributions to free speech and civil discourse, lamenting how far the nation has strayed from its founding values.

– *Bipartisan Attendance*: While the event was predominantly attended by Republicans, some Democrats were present, including Reps. Debbie Dingell, Tom Suozzi, Don Davis, John Larson, Jimmy Panetta, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Chris Pappas.

*Context and Controversy:*

The vigil came amid heightened tensions on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers debating government funding and security measures following Kirk’s assassination. The White House has requested an additional $58 million for security, which some lawmakers believe is insufficient. The tense atmosphere was palpable, with Democrats and Republicans trading barbs and accusations.¹

*Divided Reactions:*

The event was marked by controversy, particularly after a moment of silence for Kirk in the House Chamber devolved into chaos when Rep. Lauren Boebert requested a spoken prayer, prompting protests from Democrats. Rep. Ilhan Omar faced backlash for disparaging Kirk’s legacy, leading to efforts to strip her of committee assignments.²

In honoring Charlie Kirk, Speaker Johnson and other lawmakers underscored the importance of living by the principles Kirk embodied, even in the face of adversity and political division.