This was crazy.
An Illinois TV news anchor has resigned in protest after being suspended for airing a heartfelt, patriotic tribute to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, following his shocking assassination during a campus event last week.
This explosive story is now sparking national outrage, especially among conservatives who are calling out mainstream media bias and the double standard when it comes to free speech and honoring patriotic Americans.
Anchor Chooses Faith and Country Over Job
Beni Rae Harmony, a well-known anchor for WICS Newschannel 20, an ABC affiliate in Springfield, Illinois, announced her resignation Monday on X (formerly Twitter).
“My resignation is guided by values that are essential to who I am, which I refuse to set aside in order to keep a job. I choose my faith and love of country, and always will,” Harmony declared.
Her statement has gone viral, with thousands of Americans praising her for standing up for freedom of speech and refusing to bow to corporate pressure.
Emotional On-Air Tribute to Charlie Kirk
During her final broadcast, Harmony delivered a powerful, emotional tribute to Kirk, who she revealed had been her first boss when she worked for Turning Point USA from 2021 to 2022.
With tears in her eyes, she encouraged viewers to stand strong during these difficult times:
“There’s a lot happening in our country right now,” Harmony said. “Lean on your neighbors, speak up for what you believe in — I don’t care what it is.”
She then shared one of Kirk’s favorite sayings, urging Americans to keep conversations alive rather than allowing political division to turn into violence:
“When people stop talking and voices go silent, that’s when violence takes root.”
Her message immediately struck a chord online, with millions sharing the clip as a rallying cry for unity and patriotism.
WATCH:
Effective immediately, I have resigned from @WICS_ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday.
— Beni Rae Harmony (@BeniRaeHarmony) September 15, 2025
Many in the mainstream media have been fired or punished for mocking his assassination. I believe I am the first to be targeted for… pic.twitter.com/y41QOWDBl5
Station Pushback and Silence
It remains unclear whether Harmony defied a direct order not to air the tribute or if it caught station executives off guard.
In a follow-up post on X, Harmony said:
“Plenty of media figures have faced consequences for mocking his death, but I may be the first punished for paying tribute to him on live television.”
Charlie Kirk Assassination Sparks Division
Kirk was assassinated last Wednesday while speaking at a campus event in Utah — a shocking attack that has rocked the conservative movement.
While many Americans are grieving his loss, far-left activists online have been caught celebrating his death, with some even creating memes mocking his assassination.
In response, several individuals who posted such vile content have been fired or reprimanded by their employers — a move that mainstream outlets have ironically labeled as “right-wing cancel culture.”
Media Bias on Full Display
The double standard became even more glaring when former MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd was fired from the network after suggesting that Kirk’s supposed “hateful words” somehow caused the shooting.
Dowd later tried to backtrack, claiming he didn’t know Kirk had been shot when he made his comments, but MSNBC still cut ties with him.
Conservatives argue that mainstream networks will tolerate attacks on Trump supporters and conservative figures like Kirk, but will silence and punish anyone who dares to speak positively about them.
Conservative Backlash Grows
For many on the right, Harmony’s resignation is more than a local news story — it’s a symbol of the broader fight for free speech, religious liberty, and traditional American values.
Charlie Kirk’s assassination has become a rallying point for conservatives, with supporters saying that standing up for truth and justice often comes with a high price.
Harmony’s courageous act proves that patriotism is alive and well, even in the face of intense pressure from powerful media corporations.
Why This Story Matters
This viral story has all the elements that drive national attention:
- Mainstream media bias against conservatives
- Free speech under attack
- Charlie Kirk’s legacy as a young, pro-Trump conservative leader
- A powerful resignation moment that inspires patriotic Americans
As America mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk, Beni Rae Harmony’s decision to stand firm in her values serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake in today’s media and political landscape.
Bottom Line
This is more than just a story about one news anchor — it’s about a culture war playing out in real time.
Harmony’s viral tribute and bold resignation are galvanizing conservatives and exposing the deep hostility toward traditional American values in the mainstream press.
