Nationwide — Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, an African American pastor at a church in Alexandria, Virginia, condemned the killing of Charlie Kirk however described the conservative activist as “an unapologetic racist” who unfold division all through his life.
In keeping with Fox Information, Wesley made the remarks throughout Sunday service as tributes for Kirk started nationwide. He mentioned he was unsettled by the choice to decrease flags throughout the nation in honor of the 31-year-old Turning Level USA founder.
“Charlie Kirk didn’t should be assassinated,” Wesley advised his congregation. “However I’m overwhelmed seeing the flags of the US of America at half-staff, calling this nation to honor and venerate a person who was an unapologetic racist and spent all of his life sowing seeds of division and hate into this land.”
Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 whereas talking at Utah Valley College. Authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, who now faces expenses within the case. Kirk left behind a spouse and two kids, and his household has acquired an outpouring of condolences from political leaders and supporters.
President Donald Trump ordered flags on federal buildings lowered in Kirk’s honor. Wesley, nonetheless, accused Kirk’s supporters of ignoring different political killings. He pointed to the June homicide of Minnesota Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, saying the identical degree of concern was absent.
“And listening to folks with selective rage who’re mad about Charlie Kirk however didn’t give a rattling about Melissa Hortman and her husband once they had been shot down of their house, inform me I should have compassion for the demise of a person who had no respect for my very own life,” he mentioned.
The pastor added, “I’m sorry, however there’s nowhere within the Bible the place we’re taught to honor evil. And the way you die doesn’t redeem the way you lived. You don’t develop into a hero in your demise when you find yourself a weapon of the enemy in your life.”
Wesley’s sermon coincided with a memorial service for Kirk on the Kennedy Middle in Washington, D.C. Audio system included Well being and Human Providers Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Home Speaker Mike Johnson, who mentioned, “And we’d do nicely to be reminded that the easiest way to honor his reminiscence and to honor his unmatched legacy is to reside as Charlie did.”
Church officers from his church haven’t issued a response to requests for remark.
