Pressley Has Condemned Violence and Extended Condolences to Charlie Kirk’s Family

Congressional Black Caucus Offered Strident Opposition to the Divisive Resolution

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued a statement after joining 118 Democratic colleagues in declining to support H. Res. 719, a divisive resolution on Charlie Kirk put forward by Republican leadership. The Congressional Black Caucus also offered strident opposition to the resolution. Congresswoman Pressley has condemned violence and extended condolences to Kirk’s family, and is a co-sponsor of Congressman Mark Veasey’s resolution to condemn political violence.

“I unequivocally condemn violence in all of its forms. No family, no child, should ever lose a loved one to gun violence. I once again extend my sincere condolences to Charlie Kirk’s wife and children, to the surviving family members of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and to everyone whose life has changed in an instant because of the cruel actions of an assailant with a gun. Our nation has endured harrowing chapters of political assassinations—from John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy to Black civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, and Fred Hampton—and this moment feels stark for many reasons.

“In this moment, it is critical that our elected leaders work to unify, heal, and mend. I do not take that responsibility lightly, and I will continue working to build a truly just America where everyone is safe. Unfortunately, what we are seeing in real time is Donald Trump and Republicans leveraging the senseless death of a public figure to advance and embolden dangerous ideology, rhetoric, and policy actions.

“The resolution brought to the House floor today was not a resolution that simply condemned violence and offered condolences – like H. Res. 746, of which I am an original co-sponsor. Instead, this resolution glorified right-wing extremist rhetoric and lionized someone who has promoted shameful, bigoted ideas that have led to deep and lasting harm. The resolution characterizes the violent rhetoric from groups including Turning Point USA as ‘respectful, civil and Biblical.’

“As a Black woman whose faith teaches me to treat all people with love and compassion, I grieve what happened to Mr. Kirk and his family—and I could not in good conscience support a resolution that canonizes the vilification and dehumanization of Black people, immigrants, our LGBTQIA+ siblings, and other marginalized communities. Language matters, and I will continue to be clear and remain dedicated to working for a more just and inclusive nation for every person who calls America home.”

As a parent, woman of faith and Member of Congress, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has dedicated her career to advancing policies and budgets that keep our communities safe, including . She is a member of the bipartisan gun violence prevention task force and has repeatedly condemned violence in all its forms. 

Congresswoman Pressley, her family and her staff unfortunately receive a high volume of threats and acutely understand the dangerous rhetoric, largely driven by right wing media and actors that jeopardizes the safety of elected officials and public figures.

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