As the nation reflected on the life of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett did not hold back her criticism of her own party.
On Sunday, Crockett publicly slammed her white colleagues in Congress for failing to vote against a resolution honoring Kirk, citing his “rhetoric that specifically targeted people of color.”
Crockett Speaks Out on CNN
During an appearance with CNN’s Dana Bash, Crockett addressed the vote, noting that only a handful of her fellow Democrats joined her in opposing the resolution.
“For the most part, the only people who voted ‘No’ were people of color,” she said.
“Seeing only two caucasians join us, it really hurts my heart.”
Crockett argued that Kirk’s public statements were harmful, particularly toward minority communities, and expressed disappointment that her colleagues could not acknowledge the impact of his words.
Personal Attacks Fuel Crockett’s Stance
The congresswoman also cited personal experiences with Kirk, noting that just a month before his death, he spoke negatively about her on his podcast.
“There was no way I was going to honor somebody who actively disparaged me and promoted ideas like the so-called great replacement,” Crockett said.
She added that her work as a civil rights attorney and her path to Congress made it impossible to ignore the harm caused by such rhetoric.
“Knowing that people sacrificed their lives to ensure voices like mine could exist in this place, it’s unacceptable to overlook that,” she continued.
Kirk’s Memorial Draws Prominent Figures
Crockett’s comments came just hours before Kirk’s memorial service at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, which seats 60,000 people.
The service featured speeches from his widow Erika Kirk, former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and numerous leading MAGA figures.
Trump’s Controversial Speech
During his 45-minute speech, Trump addressed remarks made by Erika Kirk about forgiving her husband’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, 22.
Trump stated that while Kirk “did not hate his opponents,” he himself disagreed with that sentiment.
“I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them,” Trump said, acknowledging that Erika and others might try to persuade him otherwise.
Erika Kirk on Her Husband’s Death and Faith
Erika Kirk shared her feelings about Robinson’s fate, explaining that she wanted the government to decide on any potential punishment.
“I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger,” she said, citing her Christian faith and concern for what it might mean for her afterlife.
Erika also recounted the moment she learned her husband had been shot.
She had been in Arizona with her mother when she received a frantic call from Kirk’s assistant.
Boarding a chartered plane to Utah, she learned in the air that her husband had been pronounced dead.
Seeing Her Husband One Last Time
Despite warnings from authorities about the severe nature of Kirk’s injuries, Erika insisted on seeing his body.
She described a sense of peace, recalling that Kirk’s eyes were semi-open and that he seemed to have “died happy,” with a knowing, half-smile on his face.
Erika shared that she kissed him, something she hadn’t done before he left that morning.