Vice President Vance Escorts Charlie Kirk's Casket to Arizona Amidst National Mourning
The remains of Charlie Kirk were transported to Arizona for his upcoming funeral, following his fatal shooting at Utah Valley University a few days ago.
On Thursday, September 11, Vice President JD Vance oversaw National Guard personnel as they loaded Kirk's casket onto Air Force Two at the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City.
Aboard the flight returning to the conservative political analyst's home state for his memorial service, Vance will accompany Kirk's widow, Erika Frantzve, and their two children. The service is scheduled for the following week, and President Donald Trump is one of several prominent figures who have confirmed their attendance.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, tragically died at the age of 31 on Wednesday, September 10, during an address at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting Released; Investigation Continues
Turning Point USA issued a statement at the time, announcing, “It is with profound sadness that we, the leadership team of Turning Point USA, inform you that Charlie passed on to his eternal rest with Jesus Christ in Heaven earlier this afternoon.”
President Trump also announced Kirk’s passing on Wednesday using his Truth Social platform.
“The extraordinary, even legendary, Charlie Kirk, has died,” the president posted. “No one possessed a deeper understanding or a greater connection to the youth of the United States of America than Charlie. He was cherished and respected by everyone, particularly by me, and now, he has departed.”
On Thursday, the FBI released images of an individual considered a person of interest in Kirk’s killing and announced a substantial six-figure reward for information leading to the apprehension of the suspect.
A post shared on X stated, “We seek the public’s assistance in identifying this person of interest related to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Please call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
The announcement further urged witnesses with pertinent information to contact the FBI or upload photos and videos via an online submission form.
Following the dissemination of news regarding Kirk’s unexpected demise at the university speaking event, numerous prominent individuals publicly expressed their reactions, among them Marvel actor Chris Pratt and Full House alumna Candace Cameron Bure.
“We hold you in our hearts, Charlie,” the 49-year-old Cameron Bure shared on Instagram. “You served well, good and true.”
Tim Allen's 9/11 Message Features a 'Solemn Prayer' for Charlie Kirk's Loved Ones
Pratt, 46, posted on X, stating, “My prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his wife and young children, and our nation at this moment. We are in need of divine grace. May God assist us.”
Even with his contentious opinions, late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel spoke out against Kirk’s killing.
“Rather than engaging in furious blame, could we perhaps, for just one day, acknowledge that it is dreadful and inhumane to shoot another person?” the 57-year-old Kimmel expressed on Instagram. “From my family, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Kirks and to all the children, parents, and blameless individuals who suffer from irrational gun violence.”
