Illinois news anchor Beni Rae Harmony has resigned from her post at a Springfield ABC affiliate, claiming she faced retaliation for an emotional on-air tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Harmony announced on social media that she was leaving Springfield’s WICS-ABC20 after being suspended following her remarks. Harmony had worked as a producer and administrator for Kirk several years ago and described him as her mentor and “the first person who made me believe in myself.”
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed last week while speaking at Utah Valley University. Suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with murder and appeared in court on Tuesday.
“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,” Harmony wrote in her resignation statement. “I choose my faith and love of country, and always will.”
During the broadcast, Harmony fought back tears as she recalled one of Kirk’s oft-repeated sayings: “When conversations stop happening, when individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins.” She concluded with, “Thank you, CK, you changed my life.”
The tribute, which aired Friday, quickly drew attention as tributes and backlash to Kirk’s death have polarized audiences across the country. Harmony said she believed her station’s decision to suspend her was rooted in bias. “Thank you, Springfield. My home. My community. My people. God Bless Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family, and God Bless these United States of America,” she added.
Harmony, a 2023 college graduate, joined WICS-ABC20 in August 2024. Prior to that, she spent time at Turning Point USA, the youth conservative organization Kirk founded.
Her resignation adds to a growing list of media departures tied to the fallout from Kirk’s killing. In recent days, several journalists and commentators have been fired or disciplined over how they characterized the conservative activist following his assassination. Some were accused of belittling his memory, others of praising or rationalizing the attack.
The shooting itself has intensified already sharp political divides. Republican lawmakers have called for swift action against those making light of Kirk’s death, with Rep. Clay Higgins vowing to pursue lifetime bans on social media for anyone “celebrating the heinous murder.” Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau warned that foreigners glorifying the violence could face expulsion from the U.S.
WICS-ABC20 has not yet commented publicly on her resignation.
ALSO READ:
Is the Emmy love affair with The Bear over?
