Who is Beni Rae Harmony? On air Charlie Kirk tribute leads to Illinois reporter’s suspension

The unexpected resignation of a television anchor from Illinois TV named Beni Rae Harmony has attracted attention after Harmony reported she was suspended for broadcasting a short emotional tribute for the assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who died last week during a university event in Utah.

Harmony's resignation from WICS-ABC20 Springfield illustrates the increasing tension within media outlets over the handling of the death of the Turning Point USA co-founder, both on-air and online.

Harmony’s LinkedIn profile gives a more transparent view of her career path. In 2023, she received her degree in political science and government from the University of Illinois Springfield.

Prior to this, she attended Arizona State University, where she began studying global management. While at both schools, Harmony was involved in political and student organizations such as Model United Nations and the College Republicans.

Beni Rae Harmony's occupation includes experience in journalism as well as experience in political communications. Prior to WICS, she hosted a radio show in Springfield and was a writer for Arizona Today, writing about politics happening at the state level.

She also worked in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Press Secretary for Congressmen Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz, and eventually became a producer and an administrator for Turning Point USA. Doing these jobs allowed her to gain unique experiences and exposure to national politics and conservative media environments, where she established a close relationship with Kirk.

Most recently, Harmony functioned as a television anchor and producer with Rincon Broadcasting LLC, hosting community-minded shows, creating local stories, and reporting on public safety issues.

Beni Rae Harmony's tribute that sparked controversy

On Friday, Beni Rae Harmony aired a one-minute and seventeen-second piece dedicated to Kirk, sharing that he was her first boss, and there for her during a very formative time in her life.

Stifling tears, she assured viewers it was completely natural to feel sadness and grief after the man was killed. Harmony recounted one of Kirk's favorite quotes that was about the meaning of a dialogue and sharing your opinions, and then said, "Thank you, CK, you changed my life."

"I want to share with you one of my favorite sayings that Charlie would always tell us at the office. He would yell it from the mountain tops, so please listen: ‘When conversations stop happening. When individuals become wordless, that’s when violence begins..." she stated.

Effective immediately, I have resigned from @WICS_ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday.

Many in the mainstream media have been fired or punished for mocking his assassination. I believe I am the first to be targeted for… pic.twitter.com/y41QOWDBl5

— Beni Rae Harmony (@BeniRaeHarmony) September 15, 2025

Not long after her airing of the broadcast, Harmony stated she was suspended by the station. Then on Monday, she shared via X that she was resigning completely, citing that she had been “targeted for honoring him on air.” She also stressed that her actions were based on her beliefs and faith.

"My resignation is guided by values that are essential to who I am, which I refuse to set aside in order to keep a job. I choose my faith and love of country, and always will... God Bless Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family, and God Bless these United States of America," she wrote on X.

After her post was published, Beni Rae Harmony’s bio page was taken down from the WICS-ABC20 website. Her departure indicates both the unfriendly environment surrounding the assassination of Kirk and the lingering personal ties to the controversial activist that continue to resonate.