A television news anchor in Springfield, Illinois, has stepped down after her suspension for an emotional on-air memorial to Charlie Kirk triggered public attention and controversy.

According to WND, Beni Rae Harmony left her position at WICS, the ABC affiliate serving Springfield, on Monday following fallout from a Friday broadcast in which she honored the late conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk.

During the Friday broadcast, Harmony delivered remarks that she described as apolitical, calling on viewers to reflect on the assassination of Kirk, who was killed days earlier at a college event in Utah. She encouraged audiences to grieve openly and urged them to stand up for what they believe in, regardless of political orientation.

Charlie Kirk remembered during emotional broadcast

The tribute followed the death of Charlie Kirk, who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Kirk was a well-known conservative commentator and the founder of Turning Point USA, a group focused on appealing to younger voters. His death has spurred a nationwide reaction, with both tributes and criticisms appearing across the media.

Harmony began her tribute by quoting Kirk: “When conversations stop happening, when individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins.” She went on to encourage unity and mourning, stating that belief-driven conversations should be embraced in moments of national grief.

“Lean on your neighbors, speak up for what you believe in — I don't care what it is,” she told viewers during the broadcast. Her remarks were delivered through visible tears, and she closed the segment with a personal note: “Thank you, CK, you changed my life.”

Anchor describes Kirk as a personal mentor

In public statements following her resignation, Harmony described Kirk as more than a public figure. She revealed that he was her initial professional supervisor and described him as the first person to instill confidence in her career and personal path.

“Mentor,” “first boss,” and “the first person who made me believe in myself” were all terms Harmony used to describe him, both during the broadcast and in posts shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Her tribute was framed, according to Harmony, as a non-partisan appeal for empathy and understanding in the midst of tragedy. However, she claims the station did not view it the same way.

Resignation driven by personal convictions

Following what she identified as a suspension from WICS due to the tribute, Harmony chose to resign from her role at the station. Her departure was announced in a post on X, where she stated the decision was based on her “values that are essential” to who she is.

“I choose my faith and love of country, and always will,” Harmony wrote, expressing that she would not compromise her beliefs to retain her position. She added that she believes she is the first media figure to face consequences for memorializing Kirk, in contrast to others who faced repercussions for mocking his death.

The station, WICS, did not respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation. Harmony has also not provided further details on the terms of the suspension or the station’s official reasoning.

Media reactions reflect broader debate

This incident comes amid a wave of reactions across the media landscape to Kirk’s assassination. Several individuals in other outlets have been reportedly suspended or dismissed for disparaging remarks about Kirk following his death.

Harmony’s situation adds a new angle to the conversation, raising questions about how legacy media institutions navigate political sentiments expressed by on-air talent—both positive and negative.

While she did not state whether she would return to broadcasting in another capacity, Harmony’s departure has gained traction online, particularly among those who view it as an act of standing by one's beliefs in professional spaces.

Public divides over what's appropriate on-air

The incident has reignited ongoing discussions around journalistic conduct, especially for those in anchor positions, and whether expressing personal emotions or political leanings on air—regardless of tone—can conflict with professional neutrality.

Harmony maintained that her tribute wasn’t political but rooted in shared humanity and respect for the deceased. “Your words have meaning, your values have purpose, never forget that,” she said during the on-air segment, quoting Kirk again before concluding.

With no public reply yet from WICS or ABC regarding the circumstances surrounding the suspension or Harmony’s departure, the event remains a focal point in debates over freedom of expression for journalists and public figures.