Air Force Two Transports Body of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Following Shooting in Utah
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The body of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, was transported via Air Force Two on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Phoenix, Arizona, where he resided with his family. The 31-year-old was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, leaving behind his wife, Erika, and two young children.
Vice President Vance Honors Fallen Ally
A video posted on social media by Tyler Bower, a colleague at Turning Point USA, showed Vice President JD Vance assisting in carrying Kirk’s casket on a tarmac in Salt Lake City. According to officials familiar with the arrangements, the vice presidential aircraft was utilized to transport Kirk’s remains to Phoenix, landing shortly before 5 p.m. local time. Kirk’s family and close friends accompanied Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on the flight to Arizona.
Spokespeople for the vice president declined to offer further comment on the matter.
Details of the Shooting Remain Under Investigation
Kirk was delivering remarks during an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate at Utah Valley University when the shooting occurred. As of Thursday, a suspect had not been identified by authorities. Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, stated Wednesday night that Kirk’s body had been transferred from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office.
Vance Reflects on Kirk’s Influence
Vice President Vance publicly acknowledged his friendship with Kirk on Wednesday, noting that the activist had actively supported his selection as President Trump’s running mate the previous year. Vance lauded Turning Point USA’s role in mobilizing support for President Trump and credited Kirk with significant contributions to personnel decisions within 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.”
Joe Walsh and Melissa Quinn contributed to this report.
Jennifer Jacobs is a senior White House reporter at CBS News.
