Lawmakers Propose Charlie Kirk Statues at U of M, U.S. Capitol After Assassination

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University, sparking national outrage and calls to honor his legacy with memorials. In response, Utah State Senator Daniel McCay launched a $50,000 fundraising campaign to erect a permanent statue and plaque at the university, featuring Kirk's own words, "Good men must die, but death can't kill their names." Meanwhile, Minnesota lawmakers Sen. Nathan Wesenberg and Rep. Ben Davis are pushing legislation to commission a statue of Kirk at the University of Minnesota to promote civil dialogue and condemn violence. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is also circulating a letter among Republican lawmakers to place a statue of Kirk in the U.S. Capitol, emphasizing his impact on her political career and conservative movement. The assassination has intensified partisan tensions, with conservative voices condemning celebrations of Kirk's death by some on the left, and framing the tragedy as a broader assault on conservative ideals. President Donald Trump announced he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, underscoring Kirk's significance within the conservative community.