Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) publicly criticized her Democratic colleagues for supporting a House resolution honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, arguing that the measure overlooked the harm his rhetoric inflicted on communities of color.
The resolution, which condemned the Sept. 10 assassination of Kirk at Utah Valley University and celebrated his public career, passed Friday with support from 215 Republicans and 95 Democrats. In contrast, 58 Democrats voted against it, while 64 Democrats voted present or were absent.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, Crockett expressed dismay that almost all of the lawmakers who opposed the resolution were people of color.
“One of the things that I want to point out that’s not been laid out that honestly hurt my heart is when I saw the no votes — there were only two caucasians,” Crockett said. “For the most part, the only people that voted no were people of color.”
Crockett further emphasized that Kirk’s rhetoric had long targeted marginalized groups:
“It is unfortunate that even our colleagues could not see how harmful his rhetoric was — specifically to us!”
The resolution not only condemned Kirk’s killing but also praised his “steadfast dedication to the Constitution, civil discourse, and Biblical truth,” language that many Democrats felt amounted to an endorsement of Kirk’s controversial politics. Members of the progressive “Squad,” including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), were among those who voted no.
The two white Democrats who opposed the resolution were Reps. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), according to the roll call.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) was among several Democrats who voted in favor of the resolution, underscoring divisions within the party.
The sharp contrast comes just months after the House unanimously passed a resolution condemning the assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband.
Background on Kirk’s assassination
Charlie Kirk, 30, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking with students earlier this month. Authorities identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the alleged gunman. Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and witness tampering. Prosecutors have confirmed they are pursuing the death penalty.
The House resolution offered condolences to Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his family, while urging Americans to “reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another as fellow Americans.”
For Crockett, however, the measure’s passage signaled a deeper concern about race and solidarity within her caucus.
