Speaker Johnson Steps Up For Kirk
Washington, D.C. — In a deeply moving tribute to one of the most influential voices in modern conservatism, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will lead a solemn Capitol vigil Monday evening to honor the late conservative leader and commentator Charlie Kirk, whose tragic assassination last week stunned the nation.
The vigil will be held at 6:15 p.m. ET inside Statuary Hall, just before scheduled House votes. Johnson will deliver heartfelt remarks and lead prayers for Kirk, a man who dedicated his life to defending traditional American values, inspiring millions of young conservatives, and championing freedom.
This historic event is open to members of both political parties, though it is expected to be filled with Republican lawmakers and allies of Kirk’s movement. The gathering comes at a pivotal time as conservatives rally together in the wake of this shocking loss.
Johnson’s Powerful Tribute to Kirk
Speaker Johnson, visibly emotional in recent appearances, has praised Kirk as a visionary leader who sparked a new generation of “happy warriors for freedom.”
“Charlie Kirk recruited, trained, and educated a generation of patriots. The best way to honor his unmatched legacy is to live boldly and fearlessly as Charlie did,” Johnson said during a Sunday night vigil at the Kennedy Center, where thousands gathered to pay their respects.
A Capitol Divided Even in Mourning
Last week, Johnson led a silent moment of prayer on the House floor shortly after the news of Kirk’s assassination broke.
However, what began as a moment of unity quickly devolved into a heated exchange when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) asked that the prayer be spoken out loud. Democrats objected, sparking a shouting match that highlighted the deep divisions in Congress — even during a time of national mourning.
This evening’s vigil will be an opportunity for lawmakers to set politics aside, if only briefly, to remember a man whose influence stretched far beyond Washington.
Calls for a Permanent Memorial
Many Republicans believe Kirk deserves to be honored with a lasting tribute inside the Capitol.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has gone so far as to propose erecting a statue of Charlie Kirk, ensuring that future generations understand his profound impact on the conservative movement.
“Charlie Kirk stood for faith, family, and freedom. His courage should never be forgotten,” Luna said in a statement.
Why This Vigil Matters
Charlie Kirk’s assassination is more than a personal loss for his family and friends — it is a historic turning point for the conservative movement. His work inspired millions of Americans, particularly younger voters, to stand strong against left-wing extremism and fight for the values that make America great.
As Speaker Johnson leads this evening’s vigil, many conservatives see it as a call to action: to carry forward Kirk’s mission, protect the freedoms he championed, and ensure that his sacrifice was not in vain.
