Just hours before thousands gathered to honor the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) sat down with CNN’s Dana Bash and sparked fresh debate. Known for her fiery presence in Congress, Crockett defended her decision not to support a resolution commemorating Kirk, explaining that she and many of her colleagues of color had long felt that his public remarks were harmful to their communities. Her comments immediately drew attention, setting the stage for a deeply emotional day.

During the interview, Crockett explained that her vote against the resolution was not taken lightly. She said her choice came from what she described as repeated rhetoric that, in her view, marginalized people of color. “It hurts my heart,” she told Bash, noting that nearly all of the lawmakers who voted “No” shared her concerns. She emphasized that honoring someone whose words often criticized her directly — even mentioning her on his podcast — would go against her values as a civil rights attorney.

Meanwhile, preparations for Kirk’s memorial at State Farm Stadium in Arizona drew extraordinary crowds. Lines stretched outside as more than 200,000 people came to pay their respects, with former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials scheduled to speak. Erika Kirk, his widow, was also expected to deliver a heartfelt eulogy, just days after announcing she would carry forward her husband’s work by taking leadership of his organization.

In a separate interview, Erika opened up about the personal challenges she faces in the wake of her husband’s death. When asked about legal consequences for the suspect in the case, she expressed that she did not want to be directly involved in such decisions, citing her Christian faith and a desire to avoid carrying anger or guilt. Instead, she said she was focusing on honoring her husband’s memory and ensuring his mission continues, even as she works through the grief of losing him so suddenly.