Charlie Kirk, a close friend of Vice President JD Vance, arranged for the right-wing influencer’s casket to be flown to Arizona via Air Force Two. When the plane arrived, a touching event occurred: Usha Vance took Erika Kirk’s hand and offered a gentle, meaningful gesture of comfort. What Erika grasped in her own hand, however, devastated hearts across the nation.
Arrived at his home state, Arizona. On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance wrote an emotional post on X about his close friendship with Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who was tragically shot and murdered while hosting an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The Vice President reflected on his personal connection with Kirk, praising him as an intelligent, giving, and devoted individual who enjoyed debating issues and assisting others.
Vance recalled Kirk’s personal and political support, which included early Senate discussions, linking him with critical allies, and organizing impactful events. He complimented Kirk’s commitment to his family, his strong Christian faith, and his ability to inspire trust and action among friends and coworkers.
Vance also remembers Kirk as a great friend whose generosity, counsel, and energy had a long-term impact on his life, family, and country.
Charlie Kirk’s casket arrived in his home state of Arizona on Thursday on Air Force Two, marking a melancholy final voyage for the conservative activist. As the jet landed in Phoenix, Kirk’s widow, Erika, was seen coming out beside Second Lady Usha Vance. Both women were dressed in black and wore sunglasses, their expressions solemn as they joined hands in a gentle, meaningful gesture.
Vice President JD Vance followed a few paces back, clad in a dark suit. Erika, 36, kept her gaze down while Usha carefully escorted her down the stairs, providing comfort at the terrible moment. Hand in hand, the two women carefully made their way to the runway, signaling the end of Kirk’s voyage back to his home state. Kirk’s two small children were also on board, as were his parents, who witnessed the tragedy that killed him. National Guard members carried Kirk’s mahogany coffin onto and off the plane, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Charlie Kirk’s widow waved to supporters from the backseat of an SUV while carrying her husband’s remains to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, holding a rosary tightly in her hand. Erika clutching the rosary and silently waving to supporters struck a chord with many, becoming a powerful symbol of both sorrow and fortitude. That simple gesture demonstrated how she relied on her faith to get through the suffering, and it communicated a message to everyone watching: even in the darkest of situations, hope and tenacity can propel you ahead.
“A prayer warrior” Turning Point USA writer Jack Posobiec characterized Erika as “unbelievably strong” and complimented her everlasting faith. “Erika is a prayer warrior, her and Charlie are very devout believers, they are very very deeply Christian,” he told me. “When you see the cameras turn off, the lights go down, they immediately go back to faith — this is something they live 24/7.”
Posobiec went on to say that Erika’s faith is more than simply for show; it is a way of life. “It is not something that simply exists in front of the camera; it is something that they must walk every day. Because they have such a strong faith, [Erika] has the power to get through this with the kind of strength that only comes from above.” Erika was elected Miss Arizona in 2012 and married Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, in 2021. The couple has two small children together.
On Thursday, President Trump told reporters that he had spoken extensively with Frantzve following Kirk’s horrific death at the hands of a lone shooter who is still at free. “I chatted with Erika, his wife. “We had a long conversation,” Trump explained. “She’s completely devastated, as anyone would be.” A funeral is scheduled for next week, with President Donald Trump set to attend to honor the conservative voice whose life was sadly cut short. The resident calls it his “obligation,” and has stated that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
