Four Republicans who opposed censuring Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar over comments about slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk are facing sharp criticism.
The House voted 214-213 on Wednesday to defeat Rep. Nancy Mace’s resolution to censure Omar and strip her of committee assignments, with the measure falling short by a single vote.
The Republicans who broke ranks said their votes were cast in defense of free speech, but they have drawn fire from MAGA-aligned commentators accusing them of betraying the party.
The failed censure vote underscores the deep polarization following the killing of Kirk, who was shot last week at a Utah university. Conservatives have pushed for consequences against those seen as mocking or celebrating Kirk’s death, including calls for job losses and, in Omar’s case, censure.
But critics—including the four Republicans who voted against the measure—warn that such actions risk crossing into restrictions on free speech, Newsweek reported. The four who voted against censure were Representatives Mike Flood of Nebraska, Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Tom McClintock of California and Cory Mills of Florida.
Mace said she moved to censure Omar over what she called “disgraceful remarks” about Kirk’s death. Mace cited several posts by Omar on X, formerly Twitter, that were critical of Kirk, as well as an interview in which she alleged Omar “smeared Charlie Kirk and implied he was to blame for his own murder.”
Mace has led the criticism, writing on X that “4 Republicans sold out tonight. They sided with Democrats to protect Ilhan Omar.”
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer also weighed in, writing on X: “Outrageous. Why would any Republican vote to protect this jihadist?”
Commentator Mark Levin wrote on X: “4 disgraceful House Republicans supported Islamist Omar despite her cackling at Charlie Kirk’s assassination. All 4 need to be primaried and defeated.”
