The Westminster City Council has voted to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk by renaming a street and designating a day in his memory. The decision, passed on October 4, 2023, will see a section of All American Way renamed to include Kirk’s name, alongside the establishment of October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day in Westminster. This commemoration comes following Kirk’s tragic death at the age of 31 in Utah, where he was fatally shot in September.
The vote to partially rename the street received a majority approval of 4-1, with Kirk’s name to be displayed in a smaller font beneath the existing street sign. The estimated cost for replacing the signs is approximately $3,000, according to city staff reports. The street runs parallel to the Vietnam War Memorial at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, which honors soldiers from both American and Vietnamese backgrounds who lost their lives during the conflict.
In the precinct surrounding the newly renamed street, the 2024 election showed strong support for President Donald Trump, who received 57% of the votes compared to 40% for former Vice President Kamala Harris. Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, a Republican with congressional aspirations, advocated for the honor, stating that Kirk exemplified the values that make Westminster special, including patriotism and civic engagement.
Councilmember Amy Phan West described Kirk as a “champion for free speech” and an “American patriot.” She criticized the decision to use a smaller font for Kirk’s name, believing it was an inadequate tribute to his legacy. The council also approved her proposal to officially recognize October 14, Kirk’s birthday, as Charlie Kirk Day.
Kirk’s legacy continues to evoke strong feelings within the community. Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo, the council’s sole Democrat, opposed the honor, arguing it was inappropriate since Kirk had no ties to Westminster. He voiced concerns that his colleagues were leveraging Kirk’s tragic death for political gain, stating, “That’s what you’re doing — exploiting a tragedy for political gain.” Manzo urged the council to focus on local issues rather than engage in national political debates.
The sentiment against the council’s decision was echoed by several residents during the meeting. Manzo further remarked that his colleagues seemed to be competing to outdo each other politically.
In related developments, the cultural impact of Kirk’s memorialization has been notable across Orange County. A high school teacher in nearby Villa Park allegedly removed a memorial for Kirk that had been established by students. In Huntington Beach, another Orange County city that often finds itself at the center of national cultural discussions, a memorial event for Kirk took a contentious turn when attendees began chanting divisive slogans.
As Westminster navigates its decision to honor Kirk, the conversation surrounding his legacy continues to spark debate within the community, reflecting broader national discussions on political identity and activism.
