A solemn tribute unfolded Thursday in Salt Lake City as Vice President J.D. Vance carried Charlie Kirk’s coffin, standing beside the conservative leader’s heartbroken family. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking to students and community members at Utah Valley University, according to Reuters. The gunman remains at large as federal and state investigators continue the search.
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Vance led members of the National Guard in carrying the mahogany casket up the steps of Air Force Two at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base. He traveled with Erika Kirk, the couple’s two young children, and Charlie’s parents as the body was flown back to Arizona. Upon landing, Second Lady Usha Vance gently held Erika’s hand, offering quiet comfort during the family’s final journey home.
A Deep Personal Connection
The vice president described Kirk as a “true friend” and credited him with helping advance his political career. “He was the kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him,” Vance said. Their friendship began in 2017 and grew as both men rose in national conservative circles.
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