Charlie Kirk’s Casket, Family, and Vance Travel to Arizona Aboard Air Force Two

One of the planes, commonly used as Air Force Two, sits on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

The Second Family accompanied Charlie Kirk’s casket, family and friends to Arizona.

Article by Samara Kangethe, Senior White House Producer

SALT LAKE CITY - Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday while hosting the first stop of his “The American Comeback” Tour at Utah Valley University. Kirk was a conservative political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a non-profit organization that creates space for dialogue across the political spectrum and advocates for conservative beliefs. Kirk was highly respected and strong supporter of the Trump administration during the most recent presidential election.

Vice President JD Vance flew to Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City to retrieve Kirk’s body. The vice presidential aircraft, Air Force Two, will transport Kirk’s casket, family, and friends to Arizona. Vance is accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, as well.

Before Kirk’s assassination, the Second family planned to visit Ground Zero in New York City for the 24th anniversary commemoration ceremony of the September 11th terrorist attacks. They re-routed to Utah to support the Kirk family once word of Kirk’s death reached them.

Vance shared a lengthy statement, honoring Kirk and reflecting on their friendship via X. He closed with, “You ran a good race, my friend. We’ve got it from here.”

While speaking at a September 11th remembrance ceremony, President Trump shared that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.