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Body of conservative activist Charlie Kirk returns to Phoenix after assassination in Utah

On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance escorted Kirk's casket and his family from Utah to Phoenix where the family lives
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PHOENIX — Air Force Two landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday to bring Charlie Kirk's body home.

The conservative activist was shot and killed while speaking at a rally in Utah on Wednesday.

Vice President JD Vance flew to Utah to meet Kirk's family and escort them back to Phoenix.

Charlie Kirk Phoenix
Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed, after landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Kirk is the co-founder of Turning Point USA, which has its headquarters in Phoenix. Kirk and his family are residents of the Valley.

The procession carrying Charlie Kirk’s casket headed north up State Route 51 before turning off and stopping at Hansen Mortuary Chapel at 7th Street and Northern Avenue in north Phoenix.

Phoenix Police were stationed outside the chapel for security.

Kirk hearse leaving Sky Harbor 9-11-25

Procession on SR51

The schedule of memorial plans has not yet been released.

On Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House lawn that he hears services will be in Arizona next week/weekend and he feels an obligation to attend.

Turning Point USA, a right-wing political nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics on high school and college campuses across the U.S., is headquartered in Phoenix.

Supporters of Kirk have been gathering at a growing memorial at the Turning Point headquarters to pay their respects.

Charlie Kirk memorial grows outside of Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix

Kirk, who was 31 years old, is survived by his wife, Erika, and two young children, with whom he lived in the Valley.

Vance was among numerous political figures and leaders who shared messages and mourned Kirk's loss.

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord," Vance said on X on Wednesday.

As of Thursday morning, officials said the search for the shooter was ongoing.

The FBI said it is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest.