A group of MAGA-aligned Republican lawmakers led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) on Thursday urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to direct that a statue of Charlie Kirk be placed in the United States Capitol as a "permanent testament" to the slain conservative activist.
In a letter published online, Luna called the proposed statue "not a symbolic gesture, but a permanent testament to his life’s work, his courage, and his sacrifice," and urged the House leadership to ensure the memorial would "stand as a reminder that political disagreement must never be answered with violence." Luna wrote that she owed her "entire political career to Charlie Kirk," saying his endorsement and campaign support were crucial to her election.
The letter, co-signed by Reps. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), also addressed responsibility for Kirk’s death. Luna acknowledged that criminal responsibility "rests with the perpetrator," who remains at large, but added that Americans must confront "the broader cultural intolerance that enabled such a tragedy." The letter blamed what it described as "hateful rhetoric from the Left," saying such language "created a toxic environment" and asserting, "Their words caused this. Their hate caused this."
Luna’s request seeks a high-profile federal memorial for a private political activist. Statues and other commemorative works in the U.S. Capitol are typically subject to congressional rules and longstanding precedents; Luna asked Johnson to "direct" placement, making the appeal directly to House leadership rather than to another authority.
Kirk, a nationally known conservative activist and media figure, rose to prominence as an organizer and commentator who mobilized young conservative voters. The call for a permanent statue in the Capitol came amid national debate over political rhetoric, public safety and the appropriate ways to honor political figures. Luna framed the proposal as both a tribute to Kirk’s influence and a broader warning against political violence.
Republican lawmakers who have publicly supported Luna’s appeal described Kirk as an important ally and influence within conservative circles. In her statement, Luna credited Kirk with personal political support "even when my own party was working against me," saying his endorsement and campaigning were decisive in her rise to office.
The letter did not outline a legislative or procedural path for securing space in the Capitol or indicate whether support for the idea extends beyond the small group of co-signers. It also did not provide additional details about any ongoing law enforcement investigation into the attack that killed Kirk, beyond saying the perpetrator has not been apprehended.
The proposal is likely to draw scrutiny from lawmakers and others who weigh the symbolic meanings of memorials in the nation’s seat of government and the procedures required to place commemorative works there. It also arrives as political leaders across the spectrum debate how public language and partisan conflict intersect with threats to political figures and civic norms.
Luna’s appeal to Johnson is among several recent moves by members of Congress to use formal congressional venues and symbols to honor contemporary political figures. Whether the speaker will act on the request, and what process would be followed if he does, remained unclear following the letter’s publication.