The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a resolution to create a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk."
The big picture: The White House and many Republican lawmakers are continuing to rally around Kirk's assassination, both as a way of curtailing free speech and painting political opponents as violent.
Driving the news: Republicans voted unanimously to pass the resolution.
- The Day of Remembrance would be Kirk's birthday, October 14.
- The resolution was introduced by Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-Fl.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fl), with all Republican co-sponsors.
- This is just a simple resolution, which means for now, it is not enshrined in the law and does not require a full Senate vote.
What they're saying: The resolution says that "Mr. Kirk consistently promoted the values of individual liberty, open debate, the importance of civic engagement, and the defense of constitutional principles."
- Kirk's "life was shaped by his faith and the idea that in America, debate and discussion are crucial to the betterment of our country," Scott said in a statement prior to the resolution's passage.
Catch up quick: A House resolution to honor Kirk and condemn his assassination has been the subject of frenzied talk among Democrats this week.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in Democrats' closed-door caucus meeting Thursday morning that leadership will vote for the resolution, but will leave lawmakers to decide for themselves how they plan to vote, Axios reported.
- Some Democrats fear that anything short of a unanimous vote for the resolution could be a messaging coup for Republicans.
Zoom out: Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), said she was planning to vote against the House resolution, telling Axios she is "not sure what is honorable" about many of Kirk's past statements.
- Asked about concerns of GOP backlash, she added that she lives "under their heinous threats every single day."
- Criticisms of Kirk's statements have resulted in professional repercussions for dozens of workers across the country, including those targeting Kirk's unqualified support for gun rights, his past racist comments, and his anti-LGBTQ positions.
