US House of Representatives. (X Screenshot)
Speaker Mike Johnson struck his gavel repeatedly, calling for order, while lawmakers shouted across the aisle.
A solemn attempt to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the House floor erupted into chaos Wednesday, leaving lawmakers stunned after Democrats shouted “No!” when a Republican called for prayer.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson led members in a moment of silence for Kirk, who was assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University earlier this week.
But when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) followed by requesting prayer for Kirk and his family, Democratic lawmakers loudly objected.
The outburst shocked Republicans and drew gasps in the chamber.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett shouted out that prayer was not what was needed; rather, gun control was.
Speaker Mike Johnson struck his gavel repeatedly, calling for order while lawmakers shouted across the aisle.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) fired back, yelling “Y’all caused this!” before posting on X:
“I am done with the rhetoric this rotten House and corrupt media has caused. EVERY DAMN ONE OF YOU WHO CALLED US FASCISTS DID THIS. YOU ARE THE HATE you claim to fight. Your words caused this. Your hate caused this. Charlie. His family. Those kids. No one deserved this. Enough is enough.”
Clips of the clash quickly spread across social media, where Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy reacted by calling the moment “truly sad for our country.”
For many conservatives, the refusal of Democrats to allow prayer for Kirk highlighted the deep hostility consuming American politics.
What was meant to be a rare moment of unity in grief for the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder instead devolved into partisan shouting, underscoring how even praying for someone has become politically divided.
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