Sherrill, who is running against Republican Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor in 2025, said Kirk wanted “to roll back the rights of women and black people.”
“I believe in free speech. And that the First Amendment wouldn’t be necessary if it were only meant to cover language we agreed with. It is meant to protect people like Charlie Kirk who present vile dissenting views. But it is also meant to protect teachers, doctors, and TV comedians who may express views the president doesn’t like,” she said.
“Charlie Kirk was advocating for a Christian nationalist government and to roll back the rights of women and black people — this flies in the face of every value I hold dear and that I fight for. But the Constitution protects free speech, even for those I vehemently oppose,” she added.
Sherrill later said Kirk had “racist, anti-American views” but that his murder was “horrific.”
The House measure was passed on Friday, 310-58, with 58 Democrats voting against it, 38 voting “present,” and 22 not voting.
House Democratic leadership including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) voted for the resolution.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) did not.
“Today’s resolution underscores the majority’s recklessness by choosing to author this condemnation and honoring on a purely partisan basis,” she said. “We should be clear about who Charlie Kirk was.”
Sherrill is favored to win the New Jersey governorship. Most polls have backed her, with a Sept. 17 Quinnipiac University survey giving her an 8-point edge over Ciattarelli, 49% to 41%.
The pair are expected to debate for the first time on Sunday night in a critical point for the race.
TRUMP AND VANCE LEAD MOURNING AFTER CHARLIE KIRK KILLED IN UTAH
The Trump administration has sought to publicly shame or discipline those who have celebrated Kirk’s death or criticized him.
Lawmakers have largely strayed from slamming the conservative commentator, but some have noted his past views or statements.
