The Lake County Commission chambers erupted into chaos Tuesday as residents packed the room to debate whether a county road should bear the name of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered earlier this month at Utah Valley University.

After hours of testimony, interruptions and debate, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the road memorial and resolution, designating Schofield Road in Clermont as the “Charles James Kirk Memorial Highway.” The decision replaced an earlier proposal to dedicate Wellness Way from U.S. 27 to the Orange County line.

The proposal, brought forward under Lake County’s Policy LCC-69 on naming facilities and installing memorials, triggered strong reactions from both supporters and opponents.

Throughout the day, commissioners were interrupted by outbursts, audience members flipping the bird and shouts from the audience. Chairwoman Leslie Campione and other board members repeatedly warned attendees that anyone yelling over speakers could be removed.

Chairwoman Campione compared the atmosphere to “the dark web out in the open.” Another called the disruptions “crazy” as deputies escorted a man from the room after repeated outbursts.

Despite the hostility, commissioners pressed forward.

This has been a huge event in the course of our history in the United States,” Commissioner Sean Parks says. “We don’t want political violence. We should be condemning political violence and promoting discussion.”

Supporters described Charlie Kirk as a leader who inspired them and their children to think critically and speak boldly. A 16-year-old student’s statement, read aloud, captured the impact:

“Charlie spoke about things that people don’t understand. He made a pathway for a younger generation to ask questions and to be open-minded. He gave us a voice and told us it was OK,” the student wrote. “I value what I learned from him the same as I value my education. In two years, I will be a voter. In more years, I will be coming back from college. When I do come back home, I hope I am able to drive the road and smile when I remember the legacy that he left all of us.”

A parent who shared the letter urged commissioners to remember young people watching the process. “You guys are also responsible for kids like my son, who in two years will be your voting force. They will be the people that come back here to be your leaders. They are the ones that are our future.”

Other residents agreed with the sentiment.

Faith leaders also weighed in. “I’m in favor that we honor Charlie Kirk and the values of Christianity,” one speaker says. “This dedication would serve not only as a recognition of leadership, but as a lasting symbol of the virtues that unite and uplift us.”

However, opponents countered that Charlie Kirk’s rhetoric did not merit such a public honor. One resident addressed the board after sending commissioners an email, suggested a more thoughtful alternative.

“I respectfully request that the Commission alternatively consider dedicating county funds to a debate program or similar community engagement activity,” she says. “Using county funds or resources to name a road after him feels like the local government’s attempt to gain easy brownie points with the federal administration in a manner that I think Mr. Kirk would disagree with.”

Others went further, calling Charlie Kirk divisive and inflammatory.

“Kirk promoted violence through his words. Naming a road in honor of this man is a slap in the face to every other recipient of this same honor,” a Clermont resident says. “He spread hatred, racism, sexism, bigotry, homophobia, transphobia with every speech. We do not need to memorialize divisiveness.”

Another resident argued the honor should go to local figures.

“I feel an honor like naming a street should be for someone like John Lewis who fought with all his might for civil rights and voting rights for all. Or maybe a beloved teacher, or a fallen hero,” she says. “Charlie Kirk only appealed to a certain segment of our population. Why should those who oppose what Charlie Kirk preached have to wince and feel bad every time they drive on that road?”

Several speakers accused commissioners of ignoring minority voices and blasted Commissioner Anthony Sabatini, who proposed this to the commission.

Commissioners acknowledged the depth of division but stressed the memorial was not about endorsing Charlie Kirk’s politics. Instead, they said, it was about rejecting violence.

“I never heard him suggest that somebody should be armed,” Commissioner Parks says, addressing the crowd. “I think he said some things that people aren’t gonna like, I get it. But I certainly would never ever wish this upon them or any person.”

Commissioner Sabatini stressed that “the number one way to honor somebody is take something significant and rename it after them. 99 percent of normal people who aren’t political activists are going to support it because he was gunned down doing something that we all should respect, which is being engaged in civic debate.”

After discussion, the board agreed to switch the memorial from Wellness Way to Schofield Road. Commissioner Parks, who represents the southern part of the county, called the route “a beautiful scenic highway” and an appropriate choice.

When the final motion was called, the commission voted 5-0 in favor of the designation. A mixture of shouting, obscene language and applause erupted in the chamber.

The resolution directs the Lake County Public Works Department to install memorial signage along Schofield Road. There is no fiscal impact to taxpayers.

“This is a way to recognize that Charlie Kirk was killed because he spoke his heart and his mind in civic debate,” Commissioner Parks says. “And this county wants to stand against political violence.”

Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18 and became a prominent conservative activist and speaker. He later launched Turning Point Action, an advocacy group supporting conservative candidates.

On September 10, Charlie was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Days later, former President Donald Trump announced Charlie would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Only 673 individuals have received the award. In a statement, President Trump called Charlie Kirk “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.”