The Knox County Commissioners have approved a proclamation declaring October 14th as “Charlie Kirk Day” in Knox County.
The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Tim Ellerman III and read aloud by County Attorney Drew Porter. It recognizes Kirk, the Turning Point USA co-founder who was assassinated last month, highlighting his national influence, authorship, and Presidential Medal of Freedom which was awarded posthumously.
Commission President T.J. Brink supported the measure, saying it represented more than honoring one person. He called it a reminder of the need to protect free speech and lower political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle.
Public comments included opposition from Knox County Democratic Party Chair Marsha Fleming, who called Kirk “a highly polarizing figure” and suggested honoring the ordination of Benjamin Marie Petit as a priest in Vincennes, which happened on October 14th, 1837. Petit was a Catholic missionary known for ministering to Native Americans.
Vincennes resident Tanner Bouchie spoke in favor, citing Kirk’s defense of free speech and respectful campus debate.
The commissioners approved the proclamation 2-0.
Commissioner Kellie Streeter was not at at Tuesday’s Commissioner’s meeting.
