ELIZABETH CITY, NC (LOOTPRESS) — A proposal to install a public mural honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk will not move forward after the Elizabeth City Council unanimously rejected the plan last week.
The idea was brought forward by resident Steven Young, who launched a Change.org petition that collected nearly 1,600 signatures. Young proposed placing the mural on East Colonial Avenue and told council members on Oct. 27 that private donations would cover the artwork’s cost. He requested that the city provide security measures and maintenance similar to those given to a Black Lives Matter mural approved in 2021.
Young said supporters wanted the mural to recognize Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, for what he described as Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and conservative principles.
Several residents, however, urged the council to reject the proposal. Some argued that Kirk had no ties to Elizabeth City, while others said his public commentary had been divisive.
“I object to the idea of spending any kind of public money honoring someone that was not a son of the city,” resident Frank Atkinson said during the public comment period.
At its Nov. 10 meeting, the council voted 8–0 to deny the request. Fourth Ward Councilman Johnnie B. Walton said he was sympathetic to Kirk’s family but could not support bringing a mural to the city in his honor.
“I pray for the family, but I just don’t have the same emotions that another person might have,” Walton said. “I couldn’t vote for it.”
