51ºÚÁÏ

Republican Councilman Mark Harder's resolution called on council members to recognize Kirk, who was killed in a shooting last week. The resolution honored Kirk's "life and legacy," and his commitment to "truth, freedom and constitutional principles," and "to faith, family and country." The resolution also asked council members to condemn the violence that ended Kirk's life.

Supporters of the resolution said at Tuesday night's meeting that the resolution is not an endorsement of Kirk's opinions, but rather a recognition of the right to free speech.

"These are the principles we live by," said Rene Artman, chair of the 51ºÚÁÏ County Republican Party.

But those who opposed the resolution said Kirk's legacy cannot be separated from the resolution's language.

St Louis County NAACP President John Bowman told council members that the NAACP "cannot ignore that Mr. Kirk's public record is defined by rhetoric that undermined civil rights, dismissed the struggles of marginalized communities, disrespected African American women and spread division."

"Our community needs resolutions that heal, not that open wounds," Bowman said.

Harder said he introduced the resolution because Kirk's "legacy reminds us that America thrives on bold ideas and unbreakable spirit."

But the resolution failed after four Democrats and one Republican on the seven-member council voted against it. Democratic Councilwoman Shalonda Webb, of north 51ºÚÁÏ County, shared sympathy for Kirk's family and fans, and condemned violence. She could not, however, honor Kirk.

"If you want to make a place better, why do you have to demoralize others?" Webb said.

Democratic councilwomen Rita Heard Days, Gretchen Bangert and Lisa Clancy, and Republican Councilman Dennis Hancock also voted against the resolution. Harder and Republican Councilman Mike Archer supported it.

Before the vote, some speakers said Kirk improved their lives, including Gary Adkins of south 51ºÚÁÏ County. He said Kirk helped him find Christianity.

"He showed me a path to be a better man," Adkins said.

Sydni Jackson said it would be "gross and deeply inappropriate" for the council to honor Kirk.

"He used his platform to uphold hateful ideas," Jackson said. "Misogyny, sexism, bigotry and xenophobia are not political opinions."

Republican State Rep. David Casteel, of High Ridge, said whether the council agrees with Kirk or not, they should support the resolution because it honored free speech. He also said Americans need to see how division is driven by social media and "mindless scrolling" online.

"I think we should lay off the phones for awhile," Casteel said.

The Ethical Society of Police, an organization representing primarily Black 51ºÚÁÏ-area police officers, said in a statement Tuesday that Kirk spread harmful rhetoric and misinformation, undermining civil rights. 

"Taxpayer-funded agencies should not be in the business of legitimizing hate, disinformation or political extremism," the statement said. "Our government must remain a space where all citizens feel respected and protected — not one that uplifts voices working to divide us."

51ºÚÁÏ County Executive Sam Page condemned Kirk's killing.

"The political violence in this country is undermining our democracy," Page said, adding that "Charlie's opinions are very different from mine."

Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University last week. Bipartisan officials nationwide condemned Kirk’s assassination, but some commentators have been fired for their comments on his death.

Turning Point USA, Kirk's conservative organization, activated young voters, especially on college campuses, to fuel President Donald Trump's campaigns and the "Make America Great Again" movement. His college visits and massive rallies stirred controversy over gun rights, abortion and immigration, among other issues.

Editor's note: This story was updated Tuesday after the council voted on the resolution.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.