An ABC affiliate anchor resigned Monday after being suspended for paying tribute to Charlie Kirk.
Beni Rae Harmony, of WICS-ABC20 in Springfield, Illinois, said she was punished for a heartfelt message about her “mentor.”
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated last week at Utah Valley University.
Tribute to Kirk
Harmony aired a 79-second tribute to him during Friday’s broadcast.
Effective immediately, I have resigned from @WICS_ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday.
Many in the mainstream media have been fired or punished for mocking his assassination. I believe I am the first to be targeted for… pic.twitter.com/y41QOWDBl5
— Beni Rae Harmony (@BeniRaeHarmony) September 15, 2025
She said Kirk inspired her during her early career.
In her tribute, Harmony quoted Kirk’s advice to colleagues.
“Stand up for your friends, stand up for your beliefs, and speak loudly, even if your voice shakes,” she recalled him saying.
“Thank you, CK, you changed my life.”
Suspension
Harmony was suspended by the station for the tribute that aired Friday.
She said she believes she is the first to face consequences for honoring Kirk rather than mocking his death.
Her departure comes amid a wave of job consequences over Kirk’s death.
Several employees across industries have been disciplined for mocking his assassination.
Some pilots, teachers, and federal agents have been suspended or fired.
Resignation Statement
On Monday, she resigned from her position:
“Effective immediately, I have resigned from WICS-ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday.
Beni Rae Harmony
Many in the mainstream media have been fired or punished for mocking his assassination.
I believe I am the first to be targeted for honoring him on air.
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.
Thank you, Springfield. My home. My community. My people.
God Bless Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family, and God Bless these United States of America.”
