The body of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk has been flown home on Air Force Two.
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance accompanied Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his family to Arizona on Thursday.
The Vances were scheduled to attend Ground Zero in Manhattan for the 9/11 commemoration but cancelled to meet Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City.
Highlights
- Charlie Kirk’s body was flown home on Air Force Two, escorted by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
- Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University; his attacker remains at large with a $100,000 reward offered.
- President Trump announced he will posthumously award Kirk the Medal of Freedom, honoring his impact and legacy.
- Flags were ordered flown at half-staff for Kirk, sparking criticism over unequal treatment compared to murdered Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman.
JD Vance accompanied Charlie Kirk's body on Air Force Two
Image credits: Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Vance, who described Kirk as a close friend in a long tribute after his death, was seen helping to carry his casket on board his plane, Air Force Two.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
After the short flight, Usha and Erika held hands while descending the plane steps as Vance followed closely behind them.
Image credits: Eric Thayer/Getty Images
Audio widely circulating online also appears to show Phoenix air traffic control sending a message to Air Force Two as the plane landed.
“Welcome Home Charlie. You didn’t deserve it. May God bless you and your family,” a man could be heard saying.
The FBI has described Kirk’s attacker, who remains on the run, as being of college age and said he blended in with students on campus.
A new video showing the shooter running across the roof of a building and then jumping off of it has also been released.
In the footage, the shooter is seen hanging from the side of the building before jumping down and running through a car park.
His weapon, a high-powered bolt-action rifle, and ammunition were recovered from a wooded area near the university.
The FBI is analysing evidence collected from the rooftop, including shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print.
Kirk's killer has not yet been caught
A $100,000 reward for any information leading to the identification and arrest of the gunman has also been announced.
Speaking at an event to honor the anniversary of 9/11 on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would posthumously award Kirk the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said. “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
After Kirk’s murder, the White House ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday.
Image credits: Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images
While Trump also ordered this for the victims of the Minnesota school shooting, who were killed by a trans woman, he did not do the same for Melissa Hortman.
Speaker Emerita and Democratic Representative Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed in a “politically motivated assassination” at their home on June 14.
Vance Boelter has been indicted for the murders, and for the attempted murder of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman on the same night.
After the attacks, Trump said “such horrific violence will not be tolerated,” but the following day said that speaking to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz would be a waste of time.
Trump has been criticized for not affording Hortman the same honors
Image credits: Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images
Following Kirk’s death, social media users have been quick to point out that Hortman, an elected representative, did not receive any of the same honors as Kirk.
“Hortman deserved national observance more than Kirk simply by virtue of being an elected representative. Neither should have died. Nobody else should die,” one person wrote on X.
“Trump did not order flags lowered for Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated, despite serving her country as a legislature. He didn’t say a word. Kirk has never served our country and he gets the honor,” another posted.
Image credits: Glen Stubbe/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images
“U.S. flags ordered to fly at half staff, a presidential medal of freedom, a presidential escort by the VP of the USofA. I can only imagine what the families of those Minnesota lawmakers are feeling today. Prayers to the Hortman families,” a third person said.
“I’m sorry that Charlie Kirk died. No one should die the way he did,” one user posted on BlueSky.
“However, there is no way that he deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom! Melissa Hortman deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom!”