US news anchor resigns after suspension for pro-Kirk segment

Illinois TV news anchor Beni Rae Harmony has revealed that she was suspended from WICS ABC20 after honoring Charlie Kirk on air, and has announced her resignation. Harmony says she chose her values over her job.

Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a public event last week. His death has provoked widespread reactions across the political spectrum.

On Friday, at the beginning of her segment, Harmony delivered a speech recalling her work with Kirk, the impact he had on her life, and what he stood for. She urged viewers to uphold their values and support each other. “When conversations stop happening, when individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins,” she said, quoting Kirk.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Harmony revealed that the tribute led to her suspension by WICS ABC20. She wrote that while many in the mainstream media have been disciplined for mocking Kirk’s assassination, she believes she is “the first to be targeted for honoring him on air.”

“Effective immediately, I have resigned from WICS_ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday,” Harmony wrote. She added that her decision was guided by “values that are essential to who I am, which I refuse to set aside in order to keep a job. I choose my faith and love of country, and always will.

Following Kirk’s death, a number of individuals have faced consequences for celebrating the killing and making disparaging comments. MSNBC cut ties with analyst Matthew Dowd, who suggested that Kirk’s “hateful words” were what got him killed. Nasdaq dismissed an employee, the US Secret Service placed an agent on leave, and United Airlines, Fox Sports, and the Washington Post have also taken action against staff.

The investigation into Kirk’s murder is ongoing. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested and is alleged to have etched anti-fascist slogans onto bullet casings. The governor of Utah said Robinson was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.” Reports also claim he was living with a transgender partner.