Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed, after landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The casket containing the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed on Wednesday is removed from Air Force Two at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The casket containing the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed on Wednesday is removed from Air Force Two at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The casket containing the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed on Wednesday is removed from Air Force Two at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Erika Kirk rides in the passenger seat of a hearse containing the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed on Wednesday as it leaves after being removed from Air Force Two at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk, holding a cross on a chain, deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Audio By Carbonatix
9:12 PM on Thursday, September 11
By ROSS D. FRANKLIN and CHRIS MEGERIAN
PHOENIX (AP) — Charlie Kirk's casket arrived in his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two on Thursday as Vice President JD Vance honored the conservative activist with a final flight.
Vance's wife, Usha, stepped off the plane with Kirk's widow, Erika. Both women wore black and sunglasses. The vice president was a few steps behind in a dark suit.
Air Force Two arrived in Phoenix after a short flight from Salt Lake City, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Orem, Utah, where Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Vance helped carry Kirk's casket with a group of uniformed service members as it was loaded onto the plane.
On Wednesday night, Vance wrote on social media that his relationship with Vance began several years ago after he appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show on Fox News. Kirk reached out to compliment him, “and that moment of kindness began a friendship.”
Last year, Kirk advocated for Vance to be Donald Trump’s choice for vice president and frequently checked in on his family. Vance described him as “a true friend.”
Kirk was co-founder and CEO of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, based in Phoenix.
Chris Stigall has been talking with his morning audience for years. He's >>Chris Stigall has been talking with his morning audience for years. He's covered everything from corrupt politicians and political conventions to a super bowl parade and sugary beverages taxes. He weaves captivating interviews of news makers, . . . <<
Mike Gallagher is one of the most listened-to radio talk show hosts in America. >>Mike Gallagher is one of the most listened-to radio talk show hosts in America. Prior to being launched into national syndication in 1998, Mike hosted the morning show on WABC-AM in New York City. Today, Talkers Magazine reports that his show is . . . . <<
Charlie Kirk is the next big thing in conservative talk radio and he's now >>Charlie Kirk is the next big thing in conservative talk radio and he's now hosting a daily radio show on the Salem Radio Network. The radio show can be heard on great talk radio stations all over the country. <<
Jennings is battle-tested on cable news, a veteran of four presidential >>Jennings is battle-tested on cable news, a veteran of four presidential campaigns, and a former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush. Now, he’s on a mission to arm listeners with common sense, crush liberal narratives, and help shape the . . . . <<
Hugh Hewitt is one of the nation’s leading bloggers and a genuine media >>Hugh Hewitt is one of the nation’s leading bloggers and a genuine media revolutionary. He brings that expertise, his wit and what The New Yorker magazine calls his “amiable but relentless manner” to his nationally syndicated show . . . . <<
Salem Media, our partners, and affiliates use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize site content, and deliver relevant video recommendations. By using this website and continuing to navigate, you consent to our use of such technologies and the sharing of video viewing activity with third-party partners in accordance with the Video Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws.Privacy Policy
