A television anchor in Illinois has resigned after being suspended for delivering an on-air tribute to her former boss, Charlie Kirk. Beni Harmony, who worked as a reporter at WICS, announced her resignation on September 15, citing disciplinary action following her remarks.
Harmony paid tribute to Kirk during a broadcast on September 12, stating, “Two days ago, I lost a mentor, my first boss. The first person who made me believe in myself, who encouraged me to chase this dream that you’re watching now: Charlie Kirk.” She described Kirk as someone who had changed her life and encouraged viewers to “lean on your neighbors” and “speak up for what you believe in.”
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. Police have arrested Tyler Robinson, age 22, in connection with the shooting.
According to Harmony’s LinkedIn profile, she previously worked as a producer and administrator for Turning Point USA before joining WICS in August 2024. After her broadcast tribute to Kirk, Harmony said on social media platform X that she was suspended by the Springfield station.
“My resignation is guided by values that are essential to who I am, which I refuse to set aside in order to keep a job,” Harmony wrote on X. “I choose my faith and love of country, and always will.”
Harmony called her tribute “non-partisan” and questioned why it resulted in suspension. She also noted that other media figures have faced consequences for comments about Kirk but believes she is the first disciplined for honoring him publicly.
Rincon Broadcasting Group owns WICS. McClatchy News has reached out to the company for comment but has not yet received a response. Harmony’s biography page has been removed from the station’s website.
This story was originally published September 16, 2025 at 11:28 AM.
