Dem. firebrand Jasmine Crockett takes to CNN to

Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett criticized Charlie Kirk as racist just hours before his memorial service. Speaking with CNN’s Dana Bash, she claimed the conservative leader often used “rhetoric that specifically targeted people of color.”

Crockett was among 58 Democrats who voted against a resolution honoring Kirk. She explained that most of the “No” votes came from people of color, saying it reflected the harmful nature of Kirk’s statements toward minority communities.

She expressed disappointment that some colleagues failed to recognize how damaging his rhetoric had been, particularly to lawmakers like herself. Crockett noted that Kirk had spoken negatively about her on his podcast just a month before his death.

“I could not honor someone who publicly targeted me and promoted harmful ideas,” she said, emphasizing her perspective as a civil rights attorney and Congress member.

Meanwhile, Kirk’s memorial drew massive crowds at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with lines stretching for hours. President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials attended, and Kirk’s widow, Erika, delivered a eulogy.

Erika, recently named head of Turning Point USA, shared her thoughts on Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. She said she preferred the government to handle any punishment, including the death penalty, to avoid personal guilt and remain true to her Christian beliefs.

Recounting the day she learned of Kirk’s shooting, Erika described receiving a frantic call while attending to her mother. She rushed to the hospital, insisted on seeing his body, and recalled that despite his injuries, he appeared peaceful, “with a half-smile, like he’d died happy.”