Proclamation honoring Charlie Kirk prompts sharply divided public comments at Pasco meeting

Mayor David Milne read a proclamation honoring the life of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 15, prompting extended public comment and debate at the Pasco City Council meeting about whether a municipal proclamation was an appropriate vehicle to honor a national political figure.

The proclamation, read by Mayor Milne, described Kirk’s work and called Sept. 15 a “day of honor” in the city. Councilwoman Blanche Ross read a Spanish-language version to recognize the city’s large Hispanic/Latino population. The reading drew immediate public response: some speakers condemned political violence and mourned the loss, while others said the city’s official proclamation process was not followed and that a municipal proclamation should not appear to endorse partisan or divisive national figures.

"This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy," said Anna Ruiz Kennedy, chair of the Franklin County Democrats, and urged the council to expand any official recognition to include other victims of political violence across the spectrum.

Several speakers asked for consistent application of the council’s proclamation policy, which requests that proclamations be submitted 30 days before the requested date. City Manager Michael Stewart later reminded the audience that the city’s proclamation process asks for a 30‑day lead time and said staff would prepare written guidance and consider delivering future proclamations in both English and Spanish.

Other residents criticized Charlie Kirk’s past public statements and urged caution about elevating a polarizing national commentator in a municipal proclamation. Jennifer Henley, a Pasco resident, read a 2023 excerpt of Kirk’s commentary and said those remarks made the proclamation divisive rather than unifying. Andrea Luther, another resident, said the city can express sympathy without issuing an official proclamation.

Mayor Milne told the council he would review the request to expand official recognition to other victims of political violence and indicated staff would draft further language for consideration. The council did not take a separate formal vote on rescinding or amending the Charlie Kirk proclamation during the meeting.

Why it matters: Pasco is a majority-Hispanic city and several council members and residents said official actions should reflect diverse views and follow the city’s established procedures. The exchange drew a larger-than-usual public turnout and prompted city staff to review proclamation processes and language.

Speakers who addressed the proclamation included Mayor David Milne; Councilwoman Blanche Ross; City Manager Michael Stewart; Anna Ruiz Kennedy (Franklin County Democrats chair); Jennifer Henley (resident); Andrea Luther (resident); Michelle Andrews (resident); and a number of other residents and community members.