Charlie Kirk’s body was flown Thursday on Air Force Two — the vice president’s plane — from Utah to Arizona, where he lived with his family.
The 31-year-old conservative activist was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon at an event at a Utah university. He is survived by his wife, Erika, and two young children.
Vice President JD Vance was seen helping carry Kirk’s casket on a tarmac in Salt Lake City, Utah, in a video posted on social media by Tyler Bower, who worked with Kirk at his organization Turning Point USA. The vice presidential aircraft would transport Kirk’s body to Phoenix, officials familiar with the matter had said earlier.
The plane landed in Phoenix shortly before 5 p.m. local time.
Kirk’s family and some of his friends were expected to travel with Vance and second lady Usha Vance to Arizona, officials said earlier Thursday.
Kirk was killed as he was speaking to a crowd at an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate at Utah Valley University. A suspect has not yet been identified.
Kirk’s body was transferred from the hospital to a medical examiner’s office on Wednesday night, Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said.
Vance noted on Wednesday that he and Kirk were friends and said Kirk advocated “in public and private” for President Trump to pick him as his running mate last year. Vance praised Turning Point USA’s role in organizing pro-Trump events last year and credited Kirk with some of the Trump administration’s personnel decisions.
“So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” Vance wrote. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”
Kayleigh McEnany, co-host of Outnumbered and former White House Press Secretary, delivered a heartfelt tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10. Speaking on Fox & Friends, McEnany, alongside The Will Cain Show host Will Cain, reflected on Kirk’s legacy as a passionate advocate for conservative values and the founder of Turning Point USA. She described him as a “one of one,” emphasizing his unique ability to inspire young Americans with his unwavering commitment to free markets and limited government.
McEnany expressed profound sorrow for Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children, Sarah Rose and their son born in 2023. “My heart breaks for Erika,” McEnany said, noting the personal devastation felt by Kirk’s family. She highlighted Erika’s strength and their shared moments, including a poignant interview on The Charlie Kirk Show where Erika hosted McEnany to discuss her White House experiences. The emotional weight of the tragedy was palpable as McEnany extended her deepest condolences, joining countless others in mourning the loss of a figure who, despite his controversial views, was a devoted husband and father.
