In the hours after the assassination Wednesday afternoon of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson held a moment of silence. When Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., asked if someone would lead the House in a spoken prayer, some Democrats erupted in objection, shouting “no” and other jeers at Republican members. On Monday evening, however, there was a prayer in the Capitol for Kirk. House Republican leaders gathered together in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall for a vigil honoring his life.  The memorial vigil, led by Johnson, R-La., and House Republican leadership, honored Kirk, 31, with prayers and personal reflections from some of the nation’s leaders that knew Kirk best. Dozens of Republicans and a handful of Democrats—among them Reps. Tom Suozzi of New York, Debbie Dingell of Michigan, and John Larson of Connecticut—joined the Republican leaders. Mike Johnson: 'The Best Way to Honor the Memory of Charlie Kirk is to Live Like He Did'At a ceremonial vigil inside the U.S. Capitol, @SpeakerJohnson paid respects to Charlie Kirk, inviting the audience to follow his principles and be a "happy warrior.”?"Even though he could… pic.twitter.com/WveKRpLK1r— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) September 15, 2025 “What we do know about Charlie is that he would not want us to be overcome by despair,” Johnson said to open the memorial. “He would want us to carry the message forward, to honor his memory, and to expand the legacy that he left behind.” “I think the best way to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk is to live as he lived,” the speaker added. “What I loved about Charlie the most is, even though he could win any debate, he never held it against anyone on the other side of the table. To the contrary, he was the very first person to reach out a hand of friendship or to put his arm around the shoulder of someone who was on the complete opposite side of the political spectrum, philosophy, or ideology.” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.—himself a victim of political violence in a shooting rampage at a practice session for the annual charity Congressional Baseball Game eight years ago, said political violence “can never be accepted as the norm in this great country. It goes against everything that our country was founded upon.” Charlie Kirk Fought For Students' Ability to Debate Their Ideas, Steve Scalise SaysAt a ceremonial vigil in the U.S. Capitol, @SteveScalise spoke about Charlie Kirk's purpose and how Turning Point USA will continue growing after his death."?He didn't just start an… pic.twitter.com/Bqq6PBhIfD— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) September 15, 2025 House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., lamented a long spate of political violence leading up to the Kirk assassination, including the mid-June slaying of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and two attempts in the summer of 2024 to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.  “A wife lost her husband, two children lost their father,” Emmer said of Kirk’s death. “A young, beautiful family has been shattered, all because an evil coward chose violence over discourse and debate.” “The assassination of Charlie Kirk wasn’t just an attack on one individual,” Emmer continued. “It was an attack on the traditional values that make our country this great country, great values of free speech, civil discourse, public debate, the ability to think independently, voice your opinions, exchange ideas, and even disagree with one another.” He added: Charlie created a movement by putting these values into practice on college campuses all across the country. The fact that he got killed for it, and many Americans consequently celebrated his murder, begs the question: How did we get so far away from the values our nation was built upon? More importantly, how do we get back? The majority whip also exhorted Americans to practice Christian empathy in an age of digital detachment. “We live so chronically online these days that we forget that behind every idea, there’s a person, and behind every person, there’s a family who loves them, and a Creator who instills into them intrinsic value,” said Emmer, adding: I firmly believe that Charlie’s death has providentially brought us to a turning point. We as Americans have to choose, will we continue down this path of reckless vitriol and hate, or will we carry on the legacy that Charlie Kirk left? House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images) House Republican Conference Chairwoman Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., said she appreciated Kirk for the change he made in her daughter’s life. “My own daughter got me to see Charlie’s life through a different set of eyes and eyes of a college student, 22, 21 years old, who inspired her,” McClain told those gathered. “Not only did he inspire my daughter, but he showed a lot of young Americans that love of country and faith. Those are all values that are worth fighting for.” The Daily Signal spoke with Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., after the vigil. Biggs was a close friend of Kirk’s, as the young Phoenix-based activist had endorsed Biggs’ bid for governor and was mobilizing resources on his behalf.  “I’ve learned from Charlie that I should probably be more open and more kind when I debate,” Biggs told The Daily Signal, reflecting on the man he knew.  Kirk “was a strong, fierce debater,” Biggs said, one who refused to compromise on his principles, but treated his opponents with respect. “If you want a great example of it, just watch those Oxford debates. Man, those were brilliant and beautiful.” With Kirk in mind, “I will try to be more open and respectful sometimes than I otherwise have been,” said Biggs. As a Baptist pastor, Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., told The Daily Signal he had great respect for Kirk because “he consistently stood for the faith.” “You can’t deny the courage he demonstrated in going into college campuses,” Harris said, “and he went just to really represent, and represent well, the conservative principles and the deep faith, Christian principles that he held,” Harris said.  “He never backed down from that,” he added. “One of the things that got me into this arena myself was seeing a lack of leadership and a desperate need for leaders that demonstrated character, consistency, and courage,” the freshmen representative said of his decision to enter political life. “Honestly, Charlie embodied all of that in a huge way.” Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images) On Sept. 10, Kirk was assassinated while speaking with students at Utah Valley University. The young man held in connection with the killing, a 22-year-old St. George, Utah, resident, was turned in by his father on Sept. 12, ending a 33-hour manhunt. The charges brought against Robinson include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. While investigators continue to learn more about why and how the assassination was carried out, they have uncovered crucial pieces of evidence, such as bullet casings inscribed with violent, leftist messages, that point to Robinson holding a deep-seated political animus for Kirk. Mike Johnson Leads Congressional Prayer For Charlie Kirk@SpeakerJohnson concludes the ceremonial vigil with a prayer honoring Charlie Kirk and all the principles he fought for."?Heavenly Father, we come to you this afternoon with a mixture of emotions. You know our hearts.… pic.twitter.com/XzT1l40BII— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) September 15, 2025 Johnson, leading the members in prayer to close, said, “Father, remind us of our better angels, as Lincoln used to say, that we can be better, and that we can end this cycle of political violence, and we can remember those virtues again.” The post Members of Congress Remember Charlie Kirk in Capitol Prayer Vigil appeared first on The Daily Signal.

The Senate confirmed Stephen Miran, President Donald Trump’s choice to fill a vacancy as governor on the Federal Reserve Board, by an 48-47 vote Monday night, in a display of approval for his fiscal agenda. A Fed governor is one of six board members who play a major role in implementing monetary policy in the United States. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Federal Reserve for not cutting interest rates, which he contends is hampering economic growth. Miran’s nomination is being considered for a vacancy left by Adriana Kugler, who resigned from the board in August. Kugler’s resignation coincides with an effort to oust another Fed governor, Lisa Cook, and presents an opportunity for the White House to advance its economic goals. In August, Trump announced that he had fired Cook, citing allegations from Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, that she had improperly listed two primary residences, which would be mortgage fraud. “You are hereby removed from your position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, effective immediately,” the president wrote in a letter to Cook. “At a minimum, the conduct at issue exhibits the sort of gross negligence in financial transactions that calls into question your competence and trustworthiness as a financial regulator.” Lisa Cook is a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Cook, however, begged to differ, claiming the president had no authority to fire her. The question is currently being litigated in an appeals court. Cook has also denied the mortgage fraud allegations. On Monday, the Senate moved to a final vote on Miran, the chairman of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA).  Miran previously served in the Department of the Treasury during Trump’s first term, and Miran’s 2024 report, “A User’s Guide to Restructuring the Global Trading System,” has served as a blueprint for the current administration’s trade and tariff policies.  Miran’s nomination was advanced by the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on a party line 13-11 vote. His nomination was vigorously opposed by Democrats, such as Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey, who has said Miran is “unqualified” and has criticized him for intending to not fully resign from his White House position.  The Federal Reserve cannot remain politically independent with Stephen Miran serving on its Board AND as Trump’s Chief Economic Advisor. It’s common sense. If confirmed, Stephen Miran must resign from the White House. pic.twitter.com/CDKDWB95Rm— Senator Andy Kim (@SenatorAndyKim) September 15, 2025 Miran said during the confirmation process he wishes to take an “unpaid leave of absence” from his post on the CEA in order to pursue the Federal Reserve position. The vote came at a high-stakes moment for the Federal Reserve. The Board of Governors is set to meet Tuesday and Wednesday, when they will likely make a decision on whether or not to cut interest rates. Trump once again called for Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut rates Monday morning, writing on the social media platform Truth Social that he “MUST CUT INTEREST RATES, NOW, AND BIGGER THAN HE HAD IN MIND. HOUSING WILL SOAR!!!” The post Senate Confirms Miran, Trump’s Pick for Fed Board  appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Alvaro Yax-Gutierrez’s record includes conviction on charges of lascivious acts with a child and is one of 10 “worst of the worst” criminal illegal aliens recently apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.   Alvaro Yax-Gutierrez According to border czar Tom Homan, 70% of the illegal aliens the Trump administration has arrested to date are criminals and the other 30% are gang members that pose a threat to national security.    In addition to Yax-Gutierrez, over the weekend, “ICE arrested more sadistic criminal illegal aliens who should have never been in our country in the first place,” Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary, said in a statement.   “We are talking about disgusting monsters who sexually abuse children, violently assault Americans, and rob our communities,” McLaughlin said. “Thanks to the brave men and women of ICE, these scumbags are off our streets and will never to return to terrorize another American family.”  Jose Ever Paz-Machado has been convicted of sexual assault and is from El Salvador.   Jose Ever Paz-Machado Luc Tan Nguyen was convicted of robbery with a street weapon and receiving stolen property. He is from Vietnam.    Luc Tan Nguyen Erasmo Hermosillo-Martin is from Mexico and has been convicted of two counts of kidnapping and threatening crime with intent to terrorize.  Erasmo Hermosillo-Martin Ismael Montelongo-Retana is also from Mexico and has been convicted of aggravated robbery.  Ismael Montelongo-Retana Ricardo Juarez-Gonzalez’s record includes a conviction for aggravated assault. He is from Guatemala.   Ricardo Juarez-Gonzalez Pablo Garcia-Avila has been convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and is from Mexico.   Pablo Garcia-Avila Darwin Medina, an illegal alien from Honduras, has been convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.   Darwin Medina Erick Galindo-Garcia is from Mexico and has been convicted of drug possession for sale and transportation of a controlled substance.  Erick Galindo-Garcia Luis Gerardo Juarez-Gonzalez has been convicted of two counts of indecent liberties with a child. He is from Mexico.   Luis Gerardo Juarez-Gonzalez There are still an estimated 600,000 illegal aliens with criminal histories on the streets of the U.S. and 1.4 million illegal aliens who have been issued a final order of removal, but nonetheless remain in the U.S., according to Homan.  Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, “ICE will continue to prioritize the arrest and deportation of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have committed violent crimes against our families and communities,” according to DHS.   The post EXCLUSIVE: 10 Mugshots of Criminal Illegal Aliens Now in ICE Custody   appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Back in 2017 and 2021, it was one of the most common questions the media asked Donald Trump: “Do you denounce [insert name of someone who was connected to either the Charlottesville riots or the Jan. 6 protest]?” It is a version of a question that’s frequently asked of Republican officeholders, but it’s interesting to see how many of the same reporters have forgotten that line of questioning when it comes to Virginia’s Democrat candidate for governor, Abigail Spanberger. >>> Sign up for our Virginia email newsletter Even as recently as 2024, the question was laid at the feet of current Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. CNN’s Jake Tapper repeatedly asked Youngkin to denounce then-candidate Trump when Trump suggested that the National Guard should go after “the enemy within.” So, one has to wonder, when is someone going to ask Spanberger “the question” regarding comments her staffers, supporters, and former fellow members of Congress made about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk? Spanberger’s own statement was that she was “horrified by the assassination” and was praying for Kirk’s family and the university community who witnessed the act. She also said, “Political violence has absolutely no place in this country. This violent criminal must be found and brought to justice.” Fairly straightforward. However … One of her earliest endorsements came from Chesterfield County School Board Chair Dorothy “Dot” Heffron, who said in an Instagram post, “Call me old fashioned, but I remember when we used to be okay with shooting Nazis.” Heffron has announced her resignation from the school board, effective Dec. 31. Not exactly an immediate recusal, but it’s something. Then came Jasmine Frye, whose Facebook account (before it was locked) listed her occupation as “Community Organizer” and that she “Works at Abigail Spanberger.” Her post stated, “F around and find out. His entire brand was hate and violence; you attract what you preach. His last words were gang violence, trying to pen (sic) stuff on black ppl.” Kirk’s last words were reportedly a clarification of an audience member’s question about mass shootings in the United States. He was delineating whether the numbers included gang violence or not. The Spanberger campaign has not confirmed whether or how Frye is related to the campaign. So far, all we’ve heard is crickets. Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois donated $50,000 to Spanberger’s campaign and infamously blamed the president for Kirk’s assassination: “I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it [political violence].” Spanberger’s opponent, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, wrote on Facebook under a screen-capture of Heffron’s “Nazi” post, “Abigail, do you condemn this?” If it has been acceptable for the media to ask Republicans such questions all these years—and often of people who are only tangentially connected to the candidate or officeholder—it seems that this is a legitimate question the media should be asking of Spanberger now.   The post Why Won’t Media Ask Spanberger to Condemn Her Supporters’ Violent Political Rhetoric? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

It’s no secret that violent crime is spiraling out of control in our cities.  Some would have you believe that rampant crime is just a fact of life when you live in a big city, but that’s not true. Rampant crime is a consequence of failed policy and moral leadership. For the last 20 years, the city of Washington, D.C., has had an average of three homicides a week. In 2024, 29,348 crimes were reported in Washington, including 3,469 violent offenses, 2,113 robberies, and 5,139 vehicle thefts. In 2025, there were already 17,367 reported crimes in the district, including 1,742 violent offenses.  That’s not OK, and certainly not for the city that serves as the seat of the United States government. The capital city should be safe, clean, and welcoming to the American people. Unfortunately, Washington residents and visitors have been forced to step over piles of garbage and human feces while visiting our national monuments. They’ve had cars broken into, wallets stolen, and faced violent assault in broad daylight.  Many on the Left may accept this as the status quo, but President Donald Trump has now proven that tolerance for crime is a choice and a result of failed policy. In the month since he brought the National Guard to Washington, there has been one homicide. You read that right—just one homicide in a month. The turnaround has been drastic and immediate.  Many of America’s liberal-run cities continue to choose policies that make more Americans the victims of crime. Defunding police departments, woke ideology, and an apathetic attitude toward violent crime have led to a true crisis of safety. But Trump and Republicans in Congress will not tolerate the violent crime that is festering in our cities. That is why the president has taken executive action to stop cities from releasing dangerous criminals with no-cash bail policies and mobilized the National Guard to combat the crime crisis in the nation’s capital. House Republicans are taking action, too. Last week, the House Oversight Committee marked up 14 bills to make Washington, D.C., safe again. This week the House is expected to begin consideration of these bills which include policies to remove red tape which hinders the ability of police to pursue criminals, provide needed reform to the process of District of Columbia judicial appointments, allow for minors who commit heinous crimes such as murder or rape to be prosecuted as adults, and ensure adults over the age of 18 are ineligible for youth offender status. Tolerance for crime is a choice. We don’t have to live like this, and it’s time for Americans to demand better from their leaders. Republicans are leading the way to show that our cities can thrive as safe, clean, welcoming centers of business and culture for the American people.  The president and House Republicans are committed to safety in every community across the nation, an urgent priority that begins with securing our nation’s capital. We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post House Republicans Back President Trump’s Crackdown on DC Crime appeared first on The Daily Signal.