Charlie Kirk’s body will be flown from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, the vice president’s aircraft, officials said Thursday.
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Salt Lake City to retrieve the 31-year-old conservative commentator’s remains one day after he was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The plane will transport Kirk to Phoenix, accompanied by his wife Erika, their two young children, and several close friends. Second lady Usha Vance is also traveling with the family.
“We will continue to facilitate movements to get him home today and with his family,” said Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, during a Thursday press briefing.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate. Authorities have not yet identified a suspect. His body was transferred from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office late Wednesday.
Vice President Vance, who described Kirk as a personal friend, praised his influence within conservative politics. Vance noted that Kirk advocated for Donald Trump to select him as running mate in 2024 and credited him with shaping both campaign operations and staffing decisions for the Trump administration.
“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.”