ALGOP Chair Wahl Criticizes Sewell, Figures for Votes Against Kirk Resolution
“It’s disappointing that the Democratic representatives from Alabama could not come together in honoring the life of Charlie Kirk”—John Wahl
Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl is criticizing the State’s two Democratic members of Congress after they voted ”Present” on a bipartisan House resolution honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed during a public event in Utah September 10th.
The measure, introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), passed Friday on a 310–58 vote, with 38 Democrats voting “present,” according to the House clerk’s roll call. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL7) of Birmingham and freshman Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL2) of Mobile joined the small bloc of Democrats—composed of members of the Far Left “Squad”—opposing the resolution, breaking with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, who all supported it.
Wahl said their votes sent the wrong signal at a time when Americans should stand united against political violence.
“It’s disappointing that the Democratic representatives from Alabama could not come together in honoring the life of Charlie Kirk,” Wahl said in a written statement. “Charlie Kirk loved this country and his generation. Even if someone disagreed with his political views, his tragic death should be an opportunity for all of us to come together in condemning violence and recognizing the value of every human life.”
He added that failing to condemn the attack “only deepens the divide in this country,” and thanked Alabama’s Republican delegation “for standing with Charlie’s family during this difficult time.”
Kirk, 31, was the founder of the national youth group Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator. He was killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
While the House vote revealed some partisan friction, the U.S. Senate took a different approach. On Thursday, Senators unanimously approved a resolution establishing Oct. 14, 2025, as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.
“Political violence has no place in America,” Wahl said. “When someone is murdered for their beliefs, we should be able to set politics aside and stand together as a nation. Sadly, Representatives Sewell and Figures failed to do that.”
