Nationwide — Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, an African American pastor at a church in Alexandria, Virginia, condemned the killing of Charlie Kirk but described the conservative activist as “an unapologetic racist” who spread division throughout his life.
According to Fox News, Wesley made the remarks during Sunday service as tributes for Kirk began nationwide. He said he was unsettled by the decision to lower flags across the country in honor of the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder.
“Charlie Kirk did not deserve to be assassinated,” Wesley told his congregation. “But I am overwhelmed seeing the flags of the United States of America at half-staff, calling this nation to honor and venerate a man 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 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, who now faces charges in the case. Kirk left behind a wife and two children, and his family has received an outpouring of condolences from political leaders and supporters.
President Donald Trump ordered flags on federal buildings lowered in Kirk’s honor. Wesley, however, accused Kirk’s supporters of ignoring other political killings. He pointed to the June murder of Minnesota Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, saying the same level of outrage was absent.
“And hearing people with selective rage who are mad about Charlie Kirk but didn’t give a damn about Melissa Hortman and her husband when they were shot down in their home, tell me I ought to have compassion for the death of a man who had no respect for my own life,” he said.
The pastor added, “I am sorry, but there’s nowhere in the Bible where we are taught to honor evil. And how you die does not redeem how you lived. You do not become a hero in your death when you are a weapon of the enemy in your life.”
Wesley’s sermon coincided with a memorial service for Kirk at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Speakers included Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said, “And we’d do well to be reminded that the best way to honor his memory and to honor his unmatched legacy is to live as Charlie did.”
Church officials from his church have not issued a response to requests for comment.