Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Charlie Kirk Freedom Of Speech Plaza Act On Three-Month Anniversary Of His Death
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 10, 2025) — Today, on the three-month anniversary of the assassination of American patriot Charlie Kirk, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) introduced the Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza Act, legislation which would redesignate the area of 16th Street Northwest between H Street Northwest and K Street Northwest in Washington, D.C. as "Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza.”
"Three months ago, we lost a champion of free speech and a voice for millions of young Americans," said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. "Charlie Kirk's assassination was an attack not just on one man, but on the fundamental American principle declaring every citizen has the right to speak freely and engage in civic discourse. By designating this plaza in the heart of our nation's capital, we ensure Charlie's legacy and his unwavering commitment to the First Amendment will never be forgotten.”
The area was previously symbolically designated as “Black Lives Matter Plaza” by the D.C. Government under the Black Lives Matter Plaza Designation Act of 2020, following the death of George Floyd. This period in America’s history became defined not by unity, but by chaos and destruction. After Floyd’s death, America watched criminals burn cities while police officers were ordered to stand down. The men and women in uniform who tried to keep the peace were attacked, vilified, and abandoned by leaders who should have supported them.
Prior to his death, Charlie Kirk himself visited the site and called for an end to what he termed "mass race hysteria," stating "Make America Great Again, get rid of Black Lives Matter Plaza," while characterizing the plaza's designation as part of divisive policies under former D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
The contrast between these two moments in history is unmistakable, and it underscores why renaming this plaza matters. George Floyd’s death triggered unrest which divided the nation and devastated the law enforcement community: more than $2 billion in property damage, more than 2,000 officers injured, and at least 25 Americans killed.
After Charlie Kirk was assassinated in cold blood, the nation responded with zero riots, zero looting, zero injuries, and zero destruction. Americans gathered in prayer, peace, and unity, exercising the very free speech rights Charlie spent his life defending.
Renaming this plaza in Charlie Kirk’s memory reflects those values: peace over violence, dialogue over destruction, and the First Amendment over mob rule.
“Our officers were assaulted, vilified, and abandoned in 2020,” added Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “This redesignation sends a clear message: we will always stand for American values and fiercely defend the brave men and women who wear the badge.”
The bill designates a prominent location in the nation's capital and mandates the installation of signs similar in design to those used by the District of Columbia to mark Metro stations, ensuring high visibility of the plaza's new name.
Under the legislation, any reference in federal law, maps, regulations, or other official records to this area would be updated to reflect the "Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza" designation.
The full text of the bill is below:
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