Mickelson targets Dem reps after Charlie Kirk assassination as Erika Kirk memorial emphasizes forgiveness
Phil Mickelson criticized what he called hateful rhetoric from two Democratic lawmakers while praising Erika Kirk’s memorial remarks for Charlie Kirk, whose death sparked debate over political rhetoric and legacy.
Golf star Phil Mickelson weighed in on the political reaction to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, taking aim at two Democratic lawmakers and elevating Erika Kirk’s memorial remarks. In a post that circulated on social media, Mickelson singled out Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, praising Erika Kirk for her statements at the memorial and contrasting them with what he described as hateful rhetoric from the lawmakers.
"Amazing strength, and amazing grace," Mickelson wrote on X as he highlighted Erika Kirk’s forgiveness toward the alleged assassin and her emphasis on moving forward from hatred. The post drew attention as Charlie Kirk’s life was honored at a public memorial that drew thousands of mourners.
The remarks surrounding the Kirk case quickly became a political flashpoint. Omar, who drew praise and backlash for comments about Charlie Kirk’s legacy in the wake of his killing, described the reaction from supporters who want to celebrate him with monuments or official honors as troubling. In extensive remarks on CNN, she argued that the conversation around Kirk’s legacy had been distorted and said she would prefer not to commemorate what she characterized as harmful statements.
"What I find jarring is that there's so many people willing to excuse the most reprehensible things that he said, that they agree with that, that they're willing to have monuments for him, that they want to create a day to honor him, and that they want to produce resolutions in the house of Congress honoring his life and legacy," Omar said on CNN. She added that she did not think those actions should be taken and emphasized her belief that forgiveness should not translate into honoring a legacy she deemed divisive.
Rep. Crockett, meanwhile, addressed the vote on a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk and said that the political tally reflected racial dynamics in the voting pattern. On CNN, she criticized the absence of broad support and argued that the rhetoric associated with Kirk had targeted people of color.
"One of the things that I want to point out that’s not been laid out that honestly hurt my heart is when I saw the no votes — there were only two Caucasians," Crockett said. "For the most part, the only people that voted no were people of color. The rhetoric that Charlie Kirk continuously put out there was rhetoric that specifically targeted people of color. It is unfortunate that even our colleagues could not see how harmful his rhetoric was — specifically to us."
The ongoing discourse unfolded as Erika Kirk delivered her own message at the State Farm Stadium memorial in Glendale, Arizona, where thousands gathered to mourn Charlie Kirk. The service highlighted the couple’s work through Turning Point USA and the effort to reach young people with a different path forward.
"Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the lost boys of the West. The young men who feel like they have no direction, no purpose, no faith, and no reason to live. The men wasting their lives on distractions and the men consume with resentment, anger and hate," Erika Kirk said. "Charlie wanted to help them. He wanted them to have a home with Turning Point USA. And when he went on to campus, he was looking to show them a better path and a better life. That was right there for the taking. He wanted to show them that."
"My husband, Charlie. He wanted to save. Young men, just like the one who took his life. That young man. That young man on the cross. Our Savior said that. Father. Forgive them, for they not know what they do," she continued. "You, that man. That young man. I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us."
The memorial drew more than 70,000 mourners and occurred at a venue that has become a focal point for supporters of Turning Point USA and its message to empower and guide young conservatives. The service featured other speakers and pointed to Kirk’s broader influence, while Erika Kirk’s remarks were framed as a call for forgiveness and resilience in the face of violence.
The coverage includes context from multiple outlets and situates the incidents within a broader conversation about political rhetoric, accountability, and how public figures respond to tragedy. The responses reflect a spectrum of views within US politics about how to honor someone’s legacy, how to discuss opposing viewpoints, and how forgiveness can coexist with condemnation of harmful rhetoric.
As the country debates the boundaries of political speech and the responsibilities of public figures, the Charlie Kirk case stands as a focal point where personal tragedy intersects with partisan debate. The organizers and participants have emphasized reconciliation and the pursuit of constructive paths forward for young people, even as some commentators and lawmakers use the moment to sharpen political divisions.
The reporting on the incident includes contributions from Fox News Digital staff and other sources, and it underscores how events of violence can echo through political discourse, shaping how lawmakers, athletes, and commentators frame issues of legacy, forgiveness, and public responsibility. As investigations or official statements proceed, observers will be watching how the dialogue evolves and whether calls for unity and healing gain traction in a highly polarized environment.
