Ashley Viola Gantt criticized efforts to commemorate Charlie Kirk, arguing that he should not be honored in Florida and that discussions surrounding his death should be framed with more precise language.
Speaking about proposals to mark a day of remembrance, Gantt said the First Amendment already protects free speech and questioned the need for additional recognition.
“We want to talk about exercising free speech. Let’s ball so the First Amendment protects free speech. We don’t need this day of remembrance for a man that was mediocre and racist, and I say mediocre at best, he was not a Floridian,” Gantt said.
“He had no ties to Florida other than owning property.”
Gantt added that Florida is home to individuals and organizations who promote what she described as non-divisive free speech.
“We have a number of Floridians, both individuals and organizations that promote free speech that is not divisive, like this individual was,” she said.
Addressing how Kirk’s death has been characterized in public discourse, Gantt emphasized the importance of word choice.
Hellbound and Down 