- Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative firebrand, has been flown home to Arizona following his tragic death in Utah.
As Air Force Two touched down in Arizona, Phoenix Air Traffic Control sent a message to the right-wing influencer that struck the hearts of many.
The nation remains in shock following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. Graphic videos showing the moment Kirk was struck by a single bullet have circulated widely on social media, sending waves of grief and disbelief across the country.
On September 11, the FBI released an image of a person of interest, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Videos have also surfaced showing a person running across a rooftop before leaping to the ground — someone police suspect could be the shooter.
A family in tears
But even as the manhunt for Kirk’s killer continues in full force, there is a grieving family, friends, and loved ones mourning Charlie Kirk.
On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance shared a heartfelt post on X, reflecting on his close friendship with Charlie Kirk. Vance recalled how Kirk supported him personally and politically, from early Senate discussions to connecting him with key allies and organizing impactful events.
To honor him, the vice president arranged for Air Force Two to carry Kirk’s body back to Arizona. A video shared online by Tyler Bower, a Turning Point USA colleague, shows Vice President JD Vance helping carry Kirk’s casket across the tarmac in Salt Lake City.
Air Traffic Control message
The plane brought Kirk’s body to Phoenix, landing just before 5 p.m.
”Welcome home, Charlie. You didn’t deserve it. May God bless your family,” an unknown voice said over the air traffic control tower frequency after the plane landed, according to the AP — a haunting tribute that left many emotional.
Also on board were Kirk’s two young children and his parents, who witnessed the tragedy that took his life. National Guard members carried Kirk’s mahogany coffin on and off the plane, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
Erika Kirk, 36, kept her gaze down as Usha Vance gently guided her down the stairs, offering comfort during the heartbreaking moment.
Hand-in-hand, the two women slowly made their way to the tarmac, marking the end of Kirk’s journey back to his home state.
Charlie Kirk’s widow also held a rosary tightly in her hand as she waved to supporters from the backseat of an SUV, escorting her husband’s body to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix.
Charlie Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for next week, with President Donald Trump expected to attend, honoring the conservative voice whose life was tragically cut short.
Trump described it as his “obligation” and announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a final tribute to his influence and dedication.
