Huntington Beach council wants to honor slain right wing activist Charlie Kirk with a mural

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.

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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.