Democratic Arizona governor vetoes bill to create Charlie Kirk memorial license plate

Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is drawing sharp criticism after vetoing legislation that would have authorized a specialty license plate commemorating slain Charlie Kirk, a decision Republican lawmakers argued politicizes the aftermath of his assassination.

Kirk was killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. 

He lived in Arizona with his wife, Erika, and their two children.

The proposal would have created a specialty license plate commonly referred to as the “Charlie Kirk memorial” plate, also described as a “conservative grassroots network” plate. 

The design included an image of Kirk alongside the Turning Point USA logo, set against a background featuring the American flag.

Hobbs said the bill would "insert politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan" if it became law.