Illinois TV anchor Beni Rae Harmony has resigned from her role at WICS-ABC20 Springfield after allegedly being suspended for airing a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk.
A Tearful Tribute to Charlie Kirk
On September 12, Harmony paid tribute to Kirk during a broadcast on the ABC-affiliated station, sharing a deeply personal message about the late conservative figure.
Fighting back tears, she described Kirk as both her mentor and first boss, recalling how he had inspired her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams.
During the emotional broadcast, she shared one of his favorite sayings: “When conversations stop happening, when individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins.
"So, if you do one thing today, make it be with passion, with conviction, stand up for your friends, stand up for your beliefs, and speak loudly, even if your voice shakes.
"Your words have meaning, your values have purpose. Never forget that.”
“Thank you, CK, you changed my life,” Harmony concluded, paying homage to the man who had impacted her career.
Alleged Retaliation and Resignation
Harmony’s tribute, which she described as a “non-partisan” honor to Kirk, quickly turned into a controversial incident.
Following the broadcast, Harmony was allegedly suspended by the station, a move she believes led to her decision to resign, per the New York Post.
In a statement shared on her social media, Harmony made it clear that her decision to leave was rooted in her core values, which she refused to compromise.
“This is guided by values that are essential to who I am, to which I refuse to set aside, in order to keep a job. I choose my faith, and love of country, and always will,” she wrote.
In a follow-up post, she expressed gratitude to her community in Springfield, closing with a message of support for Kirk's family: “God bless Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family, and God bless these United States of America.”
Harmony Claims She’s ‘First Targeted’ for Honoring Kirk
The TV anchor's resignation comes amid a backdrop of increasing tensions surrounding Kirk’s assassination.
While many have condemned the killing, Harmony believes she was unfairly singled out for honoring Kirk on air.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: “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.”
Her resignation has drawn significant attention, particularly as other public figures have been punished for making negative or mocking comments about Kirk’s death.
For example, MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd was dismissed after making controversial remarks about Kirk’s rhetoric possibly leading to his assassination.
Similarly, several individuals in various professions were reportedly fired or reprimanded for celebrating Kirk’s death, including a doctor at Englewood Health and an Office Depot employee.