Louisiana congressman rejects resolution honoring Charlie Kirk

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) says he voted against H.Res. 719, a resolution recognizing the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, because he could not support language that he says “attempts to make us forget the harm of his words.”

In a Friday statement, Carter emphasized that he condemns all forms of violence and believes Kirk’s murder was unjust. He offered condolences to Kirk’s family but said the resolution went too far in praising him, despite what Carter described as years of divisive rhetoric.

“Violence is wrong. Period,” Carter said. “Charlie Kirk did not deserve to be murdered for his views. His life was taken unjustly, and that violence must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Carter highlighted Kirk’s past remarks about Black women, LGBTQ Americans, and immigrants. He believes these comments increased divisions and reopened old wounds.

Carter said he voted “no” to make clear that rejecting violence does not mean ignoring what he called the “harmful consequences” of hate speech.

He closed his statement by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Read the full statement here.

What is the resolution honoring Charlie Kirk?

The resolution was introduced Tuesday by House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) and:

• Condemns the assassination of Kirk and all forms of political violence.
• Honors his life, leadership, and legacy.

The House passed the resolution Friday with a 310-58 vote. 38 Democrats voted “present,” and 58 voted “no.” The resolution does not create a law but serves as an official statement of the House.

Louisiana lawmakers co-sponsoring the resolution:

• Rep. Clay Higgins.
• Rep. Julia Letlow.
• Rep. Steve Scalise.

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