With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Huntington Beach council wants to honor slain right wing activist Charlie Kirk with a mural
The late Charlie Kirk is shown at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 17, 2024.
(
Joel Angel Juarez
/
The Washington Post via Getty Images
)
The Huntington Beach City Council took a step towards commissioning a mural to honor the late right wing activist Charlie Kirk. They unanimously approved, 6-0, a motion on Tuesday to explore finding a location and artist.
Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was assassinated earlier this month at an outdoor speaking event in Utah, shocking the world and casting a spotlight on the deep political divides in America.
In the days since, many are looking for ways to memorialize the late husband and father of two young children who gained fame as co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization credited with mobilizing young voters and helping to return Trump to the White House.
Why now?
The Huntington Beach City Council — known for its all-MAGA voting block — met Tuesday to "explore the creation of a mural as an artistic expression honoring freedom and free speech, memorializing Charlie Kirk and form a City Council ad-hoc committee authorized to identify a location, artist(s), and artwork for the mural," according to the city's website.
Support for LAist comes from
The motion was introduced by Councilmember Chad Williams and co-sponsored by Mayor Pat Burns and fellow Councilmember Andrew Gruel.
"This is an expression of free speech, and it's a reminder that freedom doesn't come free," Williams said during the council meeting. "It's not something that's intended to be a divider at all. i hope that it's a visual that starts conversation."
Williams told LAist he was inspired by a vigil held in Huntington Beach last week for those mourning Kirk’s death. He said he wanted something tangible, and artistic, to capture the moment and carry it forward for future generations.
Williams said he believes a mural in Kirk’s honor would also be a visible reminder that “free speech is really a core fundamental American value …. But we’re losing a grip on it.” He add that he wants the mural to spark conversation and “stand against violence and intimidation.”
Watch the meeting here.
How to keep tabs on Huntington Beach
The next regular City Council meeting is Oct. 7.
- Huntington Beach holds City Council meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 2000 Main St.
- You can also watch City Council meetings remotely on HBTV via Channel 3 or online, or via the city’s website. (You can also find videos of previous council meetings there.)
- The public comment period happens toward the beginning of meetings.
- The city generally posts agendas for City Council meetings on the previous Friday. You can find the agenda on the city’s calendar or sign up there to have agendas sent to your inbox.
Updated September 23, 2025 at 1:48 PM PDT
This story was updated with comments from Huntington Beach councilmember Chad Williams.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist