Florida State Dem Rep [WATCH]

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.”

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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.

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“If we want to talk about free speech, let’s talk about being precise with our words when we hear assassination that’s typically related to a person and a political position,” Gantt said.

“Charlie Kirk died from gun violence. Okay, we continuously advocate for gun policy legislation that would ensure that people that probably shouldn’t have a gun don’t have a gun.”

Gantt acknowledged the impact of Kirk’s death on those close to him but maintained that it should not be labeled as an assassination.

“So was his passing tragic for those who love him? Absolutely. There is no denying that,” she said.

“But he was not assassinated, and words being accurate matters.”

She described gun violence as a broader national issue.

“It was a death by gun violence that is an issue here in the country that we should all be on the same page with addressing,” Gantt said.

Gantt also referenced commentary she has heard surrounding the circumstances of Kirk’s death.

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