Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will lead a vigil in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the Capitol on Monday evening. The event is open to all members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation. Scheduled for 6:15 p.m. in Statuary Hall, the memorial will take place just before House votes, allowing members to gather for a moment of reflection following Kirk’s tragic assassination last week.
Johnson’s remarks and prayers are anticipated to honor Kirk’s legacy, which has significantly influenced conservative activism. This vigil follows a silent moment of prayer led by Johnson on the House floor shortly after the shooting. That moment turned contentious when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) requested a public prayer, leading to a heated exchange between Republican and Democratic members.
The memorial event also comes on the heels of another tribute held at the Kennedy Center on Sunday evening. This gathering featured speeches from several prominent figures, including Johnson, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. During the vigil at the Kennedy Center, Johnson remarked, “Charlie Kirk recruited, trained, and educated a generation of happy warriors, and we do well to be reminded that the best way to honor his memory and to honor his unmatched legacy is to live as Charlie did.”
In light of Kirk’s impact, several Republican lawmakers have proposed additional official memorials within the Capitol, including a statue dedicated to him, as suggested by Luna. The ongoing discussions reflect a desire among some members of Congress to ensure that Kirk’s contributions to conservative thought and activism are remembered and celebrated within the halls of power.
As the vigil approaches, it serves as a poignant reminder of the political and social divisions that can arise even in moments of collective grief. The participation of members from both parties may signal a rare moment of unity, albeit in the shadow of a deeply tragic event.