Just days after the public assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, lawmakers in Florida are leading a call to honor his legacy with a formal day of remembrance.
On Tuesday, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) introduced a resolution that would designate October 14, 2025, as the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk”—a date that would have marked Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
A Tribute to a Controversial, Yet Influential Figure
Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The killing, which investigators are treating as politically motivated, sparked a national outpouring of grief from both supporters and critics.
In announcing the resolution, Sen. Scott described Kirk as a “magnetic leader, a loving father and husband, and a friend and inspiration to so many.” Scott, who had a personal relationship with Kirk, said the young conservative “lived with purpose and conviction” and never shied away from “hard truths and hard conversations.”
“Charlie loved our nation and its founding principles and believed deeply in his faith, in his family, and in the beauty of ideas and discussion,” said Scott in a public statement.
Scott emphasized that Kirk’s short life had a lasting impact, noting that he “worked to make our nation a better place… and will leave a lasting legacy.”
Patronis: “A Fearless Warrior for Free Speech”
Rep. Jimmy Patronis echoed similar sentiments in his announcement of a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.
Describing Kirk as a “fearless warrior of free speech, faith, and the principles that make America the greatest country in the world,” Patronis highlighted Kirk’s influence on youth political engagement.
“He empowered young people to find their voice, defend their values, and embrace their role in shaping the future of our nation,” Patronis wrote.
He praised Kirk’s work on college campuses, where he often engaged in heated and controversial debates, arguing that Kirk’s efforts embodied the essence of the First Amendment.
Commemoration Beyond Capitol Hill
The resolutions mark just one of several efforts currently underway to memorialize Kirk.
Florida’s New College announced plans to commission a statue of Kirk on campus grounds.
Today, we announced that we will commission a statue of Charlie Kirk to honor his legacy and incredible work after his tragic assassination last week. The statue, privately funded by community leaders, will stand on campus as a commitment by New College to defend and fight for… pic.twitter.com/uCPAlACq7S
— New College of Florida (@NewCollegeofFL) September 16, 2025
Supporters have also raised millions through private donations to support Kirk’s family and fund new youth outreach efforts in his name.
A Day for Reflection and Unity
Scott said the proposed National Day of Remembrance would be more than symbolic—it would be a time for Americans to reflect, pray, and recommit to civil discourse, even in a time of ideological division.
Whether the resolution will pass in both chambers remains to be seen, but it has already sparked conversation on Capitol Hill and beyond about how the nation remembers its modern political figures—and how it confronts the rising threat of political violence.
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