Springfield, IL – Beni Rae Harmony, a prominent anchor for WICS Newschannel 20 in Springfield, Illinois, resigned on Monday after being suspended for airing a “non-partisan tribute” to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, following his assassination.
In a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Harmony stated that her resignation was driven by her commitment to her personal values. “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,” Harmony wrote.
What Happened
Harmony, who had worked with Turning Point USA from 2021 to 2022, dedicated a portion of her broadcast to Kirk in what she described as a “non-partisan tribute.” During the segment, Harmony became emotional as she reflected on her time working with Kirk and spoke about the challenges facing the country. She quoted a favorite saying of Kirk’s: “When conversations stop happening, when individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins.” She also urged viewers to lean on their neighbors and speak up for what they believe in.
Kirk was tragically assassinated last Wednesday while speaking at a campus event in Utah. His killing sparked grief and outrage across the nation, with many honoring him and expressing sorrow over the loss. However, the reaction to the tributes has been polarized. Critics on the left have questioned the way in which certain individuals and media outlets have chosen to memorialize Kirk, while some on the right have accused others of mocking his death.
Who Was Involved
Beni Rae Harmony: A television anchor at WICS Newschannel 20, an ABC affiliate in Springfield, Illinois, who has worked with Turning Point USA. Harmony became emotional during her tribute to Charlie Kirk, marking the incident as a turning point in her career.
Charlie Kirk: The founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization focused on promoting free-market principles on college campuses. Kirk was assassinated on September 25, 2025, during a speaking engagement at a university in Utah.
WICS Newschannel 20: The ABC affiliate station in Springfield, Illinois, that suspended and ultimately led to the resignation of Harmony after the tribute to Kirk. The station is operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Matthew Dowd: A former MSNBC political analyst who was fired after making comments that suggested Kirk’s shooting could have been a result of the activist’s “hateful words.” Dowd’s dismissal became a topic of debate surrounding free speech and cancel culture after it was revealed that Kirk was not yet confirmed dead when Dowd made his remarks.
Career/Legacy or Background
Beni Rae Harmony had a long-standing career as a respected journalist and anchor. Her unexpected resignation, prompted by the tribute, has brought attention to the complicated relationship between media outlets, political figures, and free speech. The incident has sparked debates on both sides of the political spectrum about bias, censorship, and freedom of expression in the media.
Public/Social Media Reactions
The resignation of Harmony has ignited widespread discussions about cancel culture, political bias, and media ethics. On social media, many have expressed support for Harmony, commending her decision to resign based on her values. Some users have voiced concerns about the potential suppression of free speech, while others have pointed to the growing polarization in the media and how it affects news reporting.
Meanwhile, supporters of the right-wing movement have praised the tribute, hailing it as an important and respectful moment to honor Charlie Kirk. However, critics have called the tribute inappropriate, suggesting it may have crossed political lines in a professional news setting.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
WICS Newschannel 20, operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, has yet to comment publicly on the resignation. However, sources inside the station have told reporters that Harmony’s tribute was deemed inappropriate, though specific details on whether she was instructed not to air the tribute have not been disclosed.
Harmony, in her resignation post, also noted that other media outlets had been fired or punished for mocking Kirk’s assassination, with many critics calling these actions a “cancel culture” move. The controversy surrounding her tribute to Kirk underscores ongoing concerns over media bias and the relationship between journalists, political agendas, and public sentiment.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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