TRENTON, NJ – Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R-Monmouth, Ocean) introduced a resolution Thursday calling on Congress to install a permanent statue of conservative activist and broadcaster Charles “Charlie” Kirk inside the U.S. Capitol.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 178 urges the 119th Congress to memorialize Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder who was assassinated during a public speaking event in Utah on September 10. Kanitra’s resolution describes Kirk as a “dedicated advocate for civic engagement and conservative values” whose death represented an attack on free expression in the United States.
Kirk, who began his activism as a teenager, co-founded Turning Point USA at 18 and led the organization’s national outreach on college campuses, where he held debates and organized voter participation campaigns.
Congressional response and national recognition
Following Kirk’s killing, both chambers of Congress passed resolutions condemning the assassination and commemorating his contributions to public discourse. Lawmakers also advanced S.Res.403, supporting the designation of October 14 as the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.”
On that date, which would have been his 32nd birthday, the President issued a proclamation honoring Kirk and posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Resolution details
Kanitra’s measure states that a Capitol statue would serve as a lasting tribute to Kirk’s influence and legacy, reminding future generations of his work in civic education and youth political participation. Copies of the resolution, upon adoption, would be transmitted to congressional leaders, New Jersey’s federal delegation, and Kirk’s family.
Lawmaker’s intent
Kanitra said the proposal aims to ensure that Kirk’s life “is remembered not just for his views but for his commitment to dialogue and democracy.”
If adopted by the Legislature, the concurrent resolution would formally urge Congress to commission and place a statue of Charlie Kirk in the U.S. Capitol.