Local Illinois ABC affiliate anchor Beni Rae Harmony has resigned from her position at WICS ABC Newschannel 20 in Springfield, IL, following her suspension for delivering a tribute to Charlie Kirk. The incident occurred after Harmony, who was mentored by Kirk, aired an emotional on-air remembrance of him on Friday.
Harmony announced her resignation via social media, stating, “Effective immediately, I have resigned from @WICS_ABC20 after being SUSPENDED for airing a non-partisan tribute to Charlie Kirk this past Friday.” She emphasized that her decision was guided by personal values, asserting, “I choose my faith and love of country, and always will.”
In her resignation statement, Harmony expressed gratitude to Springfield, calling it her “home. My community. My people,” and extended blessings to Kirk’s family and the United States. She also criticized the media environment, noting, “It’s absolutely crazy to me that we are living in a time where a woman would be suspended for honoring the life and legacy of a man like Charlie Kirk.”
Darren Bailey, an Illinois political candidate, publicly supported Harmony, stating, “Shame on WICS for firing her just because she spoke up about the assassination of Charlie Kirk and her former boss.” He added, “Until Beni is rehired and a full apology is made, I will not step foot in front of a @wics_abc20 camera.”
Harmony’s resignation has sparked public support, with critics highlighting her courage to “speak truth when others stay silent.” Her departure from the station marks a significant moment in media discourse.