RI Congressman Gabe Amo explains ‘no’ vote on resolution honoring Charlie Kirk
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Democratic Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo has voted “no” on H.Res 719, “Honoring the life and legacy of Charles ‘Charlie’ James Kirk.”
When reached for comment on his vote, Congressman Amo responded with the following statement, in full:
The assassination of Charlie Kirk was a tragedy that took a father from his children, husband from his wife, son from his parents, and makes us all less safe. His killing is unequivocally unacceptable.
In the heightened intensity of our political climate, a resolution that divides and reinforces pain does not alleviate political discord or support the principled disagreement essential to American democracy. While the First Amendment entitled Mr. Kirk to spout demeaning and dehumanizing ideas I vehemently disagree with, that same amendment allows me to use my voice to promote kindness and unity for those he disparaged.
As a Black man, I could not in good conscience vote for a resolution that aimed to rewrite history and erase the hateful things Mr. Kirk espoused. We are entitled to our own opinions, but we are not entitled to our own facts. While he has many followers who extol his words that may have been positive, the negative parts of his legacy do not warrant high honor or praise. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’
Political violence has no place in our democracy, but meaningful, non-violent dialogue is essential. That is why I am co-sponsoring, H.Res 746, a resolution introduced by my colleague Rep. Marc Veasey that condemns Mr. Kirk’s killing and the extreme rise in political violence we have recently witnessed.
I will continue to champion free speech and dialogue, and work to end the scourge of gun violence. While Donald Trump and Republicans are abusing the power of government to silence dissent, I will work to ensure every American, even those with different views than my own, can express their beliefs and opinions without fear of violence or reprisal.
ABC6 News reached out for comment from Amo’s Rhode Island colleague in the House, Democratic Congressman Seth Magaziner on his decision to vote “yes” on this resolution.
A spokesperson for Magaziner released the following statement:
Rep. Magaziner in no way supports the prejudiced and misguided views Charlie Kirk at times advocated.
However, he believes that the country needs to come together to condemn political violence and heal our divisions. And part of that work includes extending grace to those with whom we have strong disagreements, particularly those who have been killed.
