The body‍ of conservative activist⁣ Charlie Kirk arrived in ⁣his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two on‍ Thursday,⁣ September 11,⁢ 2025, as Vice President JD Vance paid tribute with a final flight.

Usha Vance, wife of the Vice President, and Erika Kirk, the activist’s ⁢widow, both dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, disembarked the aircraft.⁢ Vice President Vance followed closely behind in a‍ dark suit.

From Fox News Appearance⁣ to ⁢Close Friendship

Air Force Two landed in Phoenix after a short flight originating from Salt Lake⁢ City, Utah, approximately 40 miles from‍ Orem, where Kirk was fatally shot ‍while speaking at Utah Valley⁤ University. The assassination prompted a swift response and national mourning ⁤within conservative circles.

Vice President Vance personally assisted in carrying Kirk’s⁣ casket onto the plane, accompanied by uniformed service members.He shared on social ‍media Wednesday, September 10, 2025, that ⁢his relationship ‍with‍ Kirk began several years prior, following ⁤an appearance on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight. Kirk‍ had reached out ⁢to offer a compliment, an act Vance described as⁣ the beginning of a genuine‍ friendship.

kirk’s Legacy at Turning ⁣Point USA

In the preceding year,Kirk publicly supported JD Vance’s selection as Donald Trump’s running mate ⁢and consistently inquired about the ⁣Vance family’s well-being. ⁤Vance publicly acknowledged Kirk as “a true friend.”

Kirk was the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer ⁣of Turning Point USA, a prominent ⁣conservative youth⁣ organization headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 2012, Turning Point ‍USA has become a notable force in mobilizing young conservatives across the⁤ United States. Learn more about⁣ Turning Point USA.