In a powerful act of conviction and courage, television anchor Beni Rae Harmony has officially resigned from WICS-ABC20 in Springfield, Illinois, after she says the station suspended her for airing what she described as a “non-partisan tribute” to the late Charlie Kirk. The conservative commentator and Turning Point USA co-founder was tragically assassinated last week while speaking at a university in Utah.
Harmony, visibly emotional during the broadcast, delivered a heartfelt 1-minute and 17-second tribute to her former mentor. The veteran journalist shared that Kirk was more than just a political figure — he was her first boss and a guiding force early in her career.
“Thank you, CK, you changed my life,” Harmony said as she closed her segment, her voice cracking with emotion.
The tribute, which aired Friday, was described by Harmony as non-political in nature, focusing on the man behind the movement — a mentor, father, and inspirational leader. Nevertheless, the anchor claims the station retaliated by suspending her, prompting her decision to step down entirely.
In her resignation message posted to X, Harmony made it clear that her decision was grounded in principle:
“My resignation is 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.”
She also shared her dismay at what appears to be a media landscape increasingly hostile to conservative voices — not only those who challenge the leftist status quo, but even those who dare to speak honorably of those who do.
“Many in the mainstream media have been fired or punished for mocking his assassination,” she wrote. “I believe I am the first to be targeted for honoring him on air.”
The station has since removed Harmony’s biography from its website. Repeated requests for comment from WICS-ABC20 have reportedly gone unanswered.
During the tribute, Harmony reflected on one of Kirk’s most impactful teachings:
“When conversations stop happening. When individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins. So, if you do one thing today, make it be with passion, with conviction, stand up for your friends, stand up for your beliefs, and speak loudly, even if your voice shakes. Your words have meaning, your values have purpose. Never forget that.”
Harmony’s background includes working for Turning Point USA in Washington, D.C. and the Baltimore area from August 2021 to February 2022 — giving her firsthand insight into Kirk’s leadership and vision for young conservatives.
The news of Kirk’s assassination has sent shockwaves through the conservative community. Charlie Kirk, only 31, leaves behind a wife and two young children. He was gunned down while delivering a speech on free speech and conservative values — a chilling irony not lost on many.
While Harmony is being penalized for honoring him, others on the opposite side of the political spectrum are facing consequences of a different kind — for celebrating his death.
According to multiple reports, American Airlines pilots were “immediately grounded and removed from service” after being caught celebrating the assassination. MSNBC contributor Matthew Dowd was fired after he insinuated Kirk’s words were responsible for his own murder. In Michigan, an Office Depot employee reportedly lost their job for refusing to print flyers commemorating Kirk.
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee also weighed in, demanding accountability for a Middle Tennessee State University employee who posted online, “Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy.”
This kind of twisted response from the left stands in stark contrast to Harmony’s dignified, faith-driven decision to honor a man who, regardless of one’s politics, had a profound influence on American youth and civic engagement.
In her final sign-off, Harmony offered a message of unity and hope:
“Thank you, Springfield. My home. My community. My people. God bless Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family, and God bless these United States of America.”
Her words echo what many in the conservative movement have long said — that faith, courage, and conviction are not just values to be spoken about, but to be lived out, no matter the cost.
Effective immediately, I have resigned from @WICS_ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday.
Many in the mainstream media have been fired or punished for mocking his assassination. I believe I am the first to be targeted for… pic.twitter.com/y41QOWDBl5
— Beni Rae Harmony (@BeniRaeHarmony) September 15, 2025
