House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries responded with just four words when asked why he did not attend the congressional vigil for Charlie Kirk: “I had a meeting.” The comment came during an afternoon press briefing after many lawmakers had gathered to honor Kirk.
Jeffries was pressed on why more Democrats were absent, but offered no further explanation beyond his brief answer. The vigil was called by Speaker Mike Johnson to pay tribute to Kirk, who was recently assassinated while speaking at a Utah university event.
Attendance by Democratic members was thin compared to Republicans’, drawing questions about party unity and response in times of political tragedy. Jeffries has not indicated plans to attend any alternative memorial events related to Kirk.