17:41 EDT, 10 September 2025
House Descends into Chaos Over Prayer for Slain Conservative Leader
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The House of Representatives erupted in shouting and protest Wednesday as Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to lead a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist shot dead in Utah.
The normally solemn chamber fractured into partisan anger after news broke of the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA. The incident occurred at an event at Utah Valley university in Orem.
Political Violence Ignites Congressional Fury
Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the act, stating, “Political violence must be called out.” He emphasized the need for civil discourse, noting, “We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner.”
Moments of silence were observed for Kirk, a father of two and a prominent figure in conservative youth organizing. Though, the solemnity shattered when Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., requested a prayer for Kirk.
A number of Democrats objected, chanting “No!” Loud objections arose, with one unidentified Democrat questioning why prayers hadn’t been offered for victims of a school shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado that same day. that shooting left three people in critical condition.
- Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of T
- Speaker Johnson leads the House in a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk, but the moment was marred soon after when some Democrats shouted about gun control and protested a request from Lauren Boebert for a prayer for Kirk and his family.
Charlie Kirk with his wife and one of his two children.
Gavel Falls as Partisan Divide Widens
Speaker Johnson,visibly frustrated,banged his gavel to restore order. He managed to quiet the chamber after the outburst.
Before the session, Johnson spoke about his personal connection to Kirk, describing him as a “close friend and confidant.” He lamented, “The idea that political violence has taken one of the strongest voices on the conservative side is a great heartbreak.”
Other lawmakers expressed their grief. House foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., stated, “I lost a friend today.” Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., called the incident “horrendous and just horrific.”
Kirk, who died two and a half hours after being shot in the neck, was a meaningful voice in conservative activism since the founding of Turning Point USA in 2012.
