TV Anchor Quits After Punishment for On-Air Tribute to Charlie Kirk [WATCH]

A Springfield, Illinois television anchor has resigned from her position at WICS ABC Newschannel 20 after being suspended for delivering a non-partisan tribute on air to slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Beni Rae Harmony, who joined the station in recent years, confirmed her departure Monday night in a statement posted to social media.

Her decision came less than a week after she honored Kirk, 31, who was fatally shot on September 10 while holding a debate with students at Utah Valley University.

“I have formally resigned from WICS ABC Newschannel 20, effective immediately. If you are waiting for a text from me, or email back regarding segments, or scheduling: Please direct all emails and calls to the WICS Newsroom, and someone will respond,” Harmony wrote.

She explained her choice in personal terms, adding, “This is guided by values that are essential to who I am, to which I refuse to set aside, in order to keep a job. I choose my faith, and love of country, and always will. I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, Springfield. My home. My community. My people.”

The resignation followed a segment last week in which Harmony became emotional as she spoke about Kirk’s death and the influence he had on her early career.

“Two days ago, I lost a mentor, my first boss, the first person who made me believe in myself, that encouraged me to chase this dream that you’re watching right now — Charlie Kirk,” she said during the broadcast.

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Harmony continued, “When conversations stop happening, when individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins. So if you do one thing today, make it be with passion, with conviction. Stand up for your friends, stand up for your beliefs and speak loudly, even if your voice shakes.”

Her remarks came just days after the high-profile assassination of Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and had become one of the most recognized conservative figures in the country.

Harmony’s ties to Kirk extended beyond admiration.

She previously worked as a producer and administrator for Turning Point USA in the Washington, D.C.–Baltimore region from August 2021 to February 2022.

Her role with the organization brought her into direct contact with Kirk and his team, and she credited him with helping her pursue a career in broadcasting.

In concluding her farewell message to viewers and colleagues, Harmony said, “God Bless Our Troops. God Bless Our First Responders, and God Bless these United States of America.”

My official resignation from @wics_abc20: https://t.co/LQ0psZChgq pic.twitter.com/6vBafQ5iiM

— Beni Rae Harmony (@BeniRaeHarmony) September 15, 2025

The resignation has sparked discussion locally, as Harmony’s tribute was not framed in partisan terms but centered on her personal connection to Kirk and his influence on her professional path.

The incident brings home the impact of Kirk’s death, which has reverberated across political and media circles.

For Harmony, it also marked the end of her tenure at the Springfield station where she had hoped to build her career.