Local news viewers in Illinois were left stunned when a familiar face abruptly stepped away from the anchor desk.
Beni Rae Harmony, a well-known anchor for ABC20 Springfield, has officially resigned after being suspended for delivering an emotional on-air tribute to her late friend, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Resignation Announced on Social Media
Harmony confirmed her decision in a post on X, sharing a clip of the tribute that sparked the controversy.
“Effective immediately, I have resigned from WICS-ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday,” she wrote.
She went on to explain that many in the media had been punished for mocking Kirk’s assassination, but she believes she is the first journalist disciplined for honoring him.
Harmony said her choice was guided by her personal values and faith, adding, “I refuse to set aside who I am in order to keep a job.”
The Tearful Tribute to a Mentor
During her broadcast, Harmony fought back tears as she described Kirk as her “first boss” and “mentor.”
She reminded viewers that grief was natural, telling them: “It’s okay if you feel sadness… if you’re grieving.”
She spoke warmly about how Kirk had inspired her to believe in herself and pursue her television career.
At one point, she quoted him directly:
“When conversation stops happening, when individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins.”
Her closing words were deeply personal: “Your words have meaning, your values have purpose.
Never forget that. Thank you, CK, you changed my life.”
Her Past with Turning Point USA
Harmony’s connection to Kirk wasn’t just professional admiration from afar.
According to her LinkedIn, she worked for his organization, Turning Point USA, between August 2021 and February 2022, serving as both a producer and administrator.
The Tragic Death of Charlie Kirk
Kirk’s shocking death on September 10 has reverberated across the country.
The 31-year-old father of two was fatally shot in the neck while hosting a debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
His alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, with prosecutors expected to pursue capital murder charges.
Divided Reactions Across the Media
Harmony’s suspension isn’t the only fallout since Kirk’s assassination.
Reactions in the media world have been swift and often polarizing.
-
Karen Attiah, a Washington Post columnist, revealed she was fired over social media posts criticizing “white men” after Kirk’s murder.
-
MSNBC pundit Matthew Down was let go after suggesting the shooter might have been a Kirk supporter.
-
A New Jersey surgeon resigned following backlash over comments claiming Kirk “had it coming.”
Even celebrities faced criticism—actors like Rainn Wilson and model Josie Canseco received online pushback for posting condolences in Kirk’s honor.
A Symbolic Resignation
Harmony’s decision to walk away from ABC20 has now made her one of the first American journalists to lose her job for speaking positively about Kirk.
She framed her departure as a matter of principle, choosing her beliefs over career security.
As she closed her resignation message, Harmony left a note of gratitude to her city:
“Thank you, Springfield.
My home. My community. My people. God Bless Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family, and God Bless these United States of America.”