Charlie Kirk was assassinated this past Wednesday. He was gunned down at an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was a conservative activist and close Trump ally. He was assassinated in front of thousands of fans as he hosted “The American Comeback Tour.”
This was a hate crime. You don’t have to like Kirk’s politics or his affiliations but those celebrating on social media might reflect on his right to exist peacefully,- just as we all expect and fight for our right to live peacefully. Kirk had his own brand and his “Prove Me Wrong” debates had their own sting. But no different than Howard Stern, or any other shock jock. Kirk did it in the open. He invited you to ask him questions and go to toe to toe with your point of view and his counterpoint.
I’m curious if any of the silent city council members who did not raise any objections to the City Manager’s decision to lower the flags in honor of Charlie Kirk would ask to adjourn in the name of Charlie Kirk.
It’s doubtful that council member Erickson or Hang will do the honors. Can’t see council member Meister speaking on behalf of Kirk, nor the more moderate Vice Mayor Heilman. Should no one speak to Kirk’s death during adjournment motions Mayor Chelsea Byers has the last word.
The agenda, planned prior to Kirk’s death includes an item brought forward by Mayor Byers. Item F5 is a resolution proclaiming West Hollywood to be non-violent city. The progressive Democrat from Arizona with mostly red roots could not have timed this resolution better.
| F.5. | A RESOLUTION DECLARING WEST HOLLYWOOD A NONVIOLENT CITY [C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, K. NORDMAN]: SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution proclaiming West Hollywood to be a Nonviolent City and affirming its commitment to promoting nonviolence as a guiding civic value. |
It would be sanctimoniousness if the City of West Hollywood, in order to affirm its commitment to promoting nonviolence as a guiding civic value included the violence of this past week in its adjournment motions. Had Kirk been transgender, black, jewish, muslim or anything other than white with christian values the city council would not have a problem speaking out against the hate crime.
The staff report on Items F5 states: In recent months, there have been heightened tensions across the community because of the actions of the Trump administration and federal policies that run counter to the ideals and values we hold in the City. In response to these tensions, residents and community members have organized peaceful protests that raise awareness and demand change. In May 2025, the City Council approved a series of strategies designed to promote a respectful and positive environment in public meetings, support civil discourse, and provide tools for effectively addressing disruptions. Nonviolent communication strategies also apply to civil discourse and public meetings and help foster trust, encourage open dialogue, and support effective decision-making.
Kirk lived up to those ideals. He was gunned down as he exemplified non-violent communications. When the City Manager David Wilson lowered all city flags to half-mast not a single council member objected.
According to Roberts Rules of Order. a majority vote is needed to adjourn in the name of any individual. I’ve never seen a city council member object to an adjournment motion. Should any council member make a motion to adjourn in the name of Charlie Kirk it could force a vote.
I would expect Mayor Byers make a statement on the murder of Charlie Kirk. What if Mayor Byers used her own item F5 to promote non violence as a civic value. After all, the staff report itself states, “apply to civil discourse and public meetings and help foster trust, encourage open dialogue.” The City of West Hollywood could send a proclamation to his family and articulate its position non-violently.
Mayor Byers took an oath to represent all the people, blue, red, purple, and the forgotten. She took an oath to uphold the best of us and to represent all.
While I don’t expect the Mayor to fight for a Kirk adjournment motion it will be very interesting to hear her thoughts in support of non-violent without supporting Kirk’s brand.
After all, you cannot lead with hate in your heart.
Christian values? Which were those?
Larry Block ….. the grown-up in the room!
Good job Larry. Thank for pointing out the hypocrisy.
Very well put. Common sense viewpoints seldom reign in WH. So this is refreshing.
With emotions and feelings on edge for the last few days, I think the resolution item F5 will suffice. With the mention of Charlie Kirk from the mayor, there could be objections from the audience and things could spiral downward from there. It would be best to not mention this man’s name at all.
I agree. I think it’s a good opportunity to say, there is too much violence in this country, we can be a leader in it- and leave it at that.
Thank you Larry. Well stated. Charlie deserves it. And it would certainly send a message greater than an empty resolution declaring a city non violent.