PALMETTO BAY, Fla. — South Florida leaders gathered to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, just days after the 31-year-old was killed in what authorities are calling a political assassination.
The tribute quickly shifted into a broader conversation about free speech and political rhetoric.
“The founding fathers want us to have rigorous debate, emotional debate,” one speaker said, centering the conversation on the First Amendment.
Congressman Carlos Gimenez stressed the importance of keeping dialogue constructive.
“We gotta be able to disagree passionately… vocally without it being so personal or hateful,” he said.
The event featured passionate dialogue from politicians and community members.
“What happened to Charlie Kirk … will not be tolerated,” said Florida State Senator Alexis Calatayud.
Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar called for civility in political discourse.
“This is not the American way of life we want to give to our children. This is not the way American politics work,” Salazar said. “We are in Congress, the aisle divides us so we need to bring everyone together.”
Gimenez agreed, noting debates in his time were no less heated but carried more respect.
“The debate during my time was just as passionate … but people understood that you have a right to your opinion,” he said.
Meanwhile, the focus turned to Palmetto Bay, where growing calls are mounting for the resignation of Councilman Steve Cody.
“Words matter. When leaders glorify, minimize political violence, it has real consequences,” said Omar Blanco, of the Florida House of Representatives, directing his remarks toward Cody.
Cody faced backlash after a now-deleted Facebook post in which he wrote: “Charlie Kirk is a fitting sacrifice to our Lords: Smith & Wesson. Hallowed be their names.”
“Maybe this gentleman here is gonna lose his job. Or maybe he should resign because he should be held to a higher standard. There’s no room for condoning what happened to Charlie Kirk,” Gimenez added.
Cody has since issued an apology.
“The language I shared could easily be read as trivializing the very real and painful toll of gun violence in our communities. That was never my intent, but intent does not erase impact. I deeply regret posting it, and I take full responsibility for my lapse in judgment,” he wrote.
The mayor of Palmetto Bay, Karyn Cunningham, joined Friday by several South Florida leaders, renewed calls for Cody to step down.
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