FIRST ON FOX: A pair of House Republicans are pushing to have Charlie Kirk memorialized on U.S. currency in the wake of his assassination earlier this month.
Republican Study Committee Chairman august Pfluger, R-Texas, and Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Ariz., plan to introduce a bill later this week directing the U.S. Treasury to mint 400,000 silver dollar coins with Kirk’s likeness,the pair first told Fox News Digital.
It’s the latest proposal in a litany of bills and resolutions introduced by Republican lawmakers to honor the conservative activist after he was shot and killed during a college campus speaking event in Utah earlier this month.
The coins, which would be considered legal tender, would have Kirk’s image on one side and feature the words “well done, good and faithful servant” on the other.
58 HOUSE DEMS VOTE AGAINST RESOLUTION HONORING ‘LIFE AND LEGACY’ OF CHARLIE KIRK
GOP lawmakers Propose Congressional Gold Medal for Charlie Kirk Following Assassination Threat
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Following a bipartisan resolution honoring him and denouncing political violence, Republican lawmakers are moving to formally recognize conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A bill proposed by Reps. Chip Pfluger (R-TX) and Juan ciscomani (R-AZ) would award Kirk the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors Congress can bestow. This comes after a man was arrested and charged with attempting to assassinate Kirk following a speaking engagement in Phoenix, Arizona.
Background on the Assassination attempt
On December 8, 2023, a man identified as 28-year-old Joshua Monk was arrested after allegedly approaching Kirk following a Turning Point Action event at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. According to court documents, Monk allegedly brandished a handgun and attempted to shoot Kirk, but the weapon malfunctioned. He was later apprehended by security and police. Monk has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and other related offenses. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/12/11/joshua-monk-charlie-kirk-phoenix-shooting-charges/71656994007/
Congressional Recognition Efforts
The proposed Congressional Gold Medal is just one of several initiatives being considered to honor Kirk.Other Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation to establish a day of remembrance in his honor. Additionally, a group of House Republicans has written to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) requesting a statue of Kirk be placed in the U.S. Capitol.
The House previously passed a bipartisan resolution denouncing the political violence and expressing support for Kirk. This resolution, passed late last week, highlighted the dangers of escalating political rhetoric. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/charlie-kirk-tapped-congressional-gold-medal-gop-lawmaker-american-hero
About Charlie Kirk and Turning Point Action
Charlie Kirk is the founder and executive director of Turning point USA and Turning Point Action, organizations focused on promoting conservative principles among young people. Turning Point Action engages in political activism and supports conservative candidates. https://www.turningpointusa.net/
Key Takeaways:
* Assassination Attempt: Charlie Kirk was the target of an alleged assassination attempt in phoenix, Arizona, on December 8, 2023.
* Congressional Gold Medal Proposed: Reps. Pfluger and Ciscomani have introduced a bill to award Kirk the Congressional Gold Medal.
* Bipartisan Support: A bipartisan resolution denouncing political violence and honoring Kirk has already passed the House.
* Further Honors Considered: Republicans are also seeking a day of remembrance and a statue in the Capitol to honor Kirk.
The push for these honors underscores the concern among many Republicans regarding the increasing polarization of American politics and the potential for violence. The outcome of the proposed legislation remains to be seen,but the swift response from lawmakers demonstrates a strong desire to condemn the attack and recognize Kirk’s role as a prominent conservative voice.
Author: Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News digital, covering the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.