Vice President JD Vance stood solemnly as Charlie Kirk’s coffin was carried off a hearse in Salt Lake City on Thursday.

In a powerful and emotional moment, Vance led National Guard members in lifting the mahogany casket up the steps of Air Force Two at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base.

The aircraft was used to transport Kirk’s body back to his home state of Arizona.

Onboard the flight were Kirk’s grieving wife Erika, their two young children, and his parents, all united in silent mourning.

Upon arrival in Arizona, Second Lady Usha Vance was seen gently holding Erika Kirk’s hand, offering quiet support as they disembarked together.

A funeral for the prominent conservative activist is scheduled for next week, with President Donald Trump confirming his attendance.

Trump expressed his condolences, saying he spoke to Erika Kirk, who is “devastated, absolutely devastated.”

Charlie Kirk, a father of two and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.

The shooting occurred while Kirk engaged with students and community members as part of his American Comeback tour.

Police reported that a lone gunman opened fire from a rooftop approximately 200 yards away, causing chaos and panic among the crowd.

Horrified spectators screamed and scrambled to escape as the gunfire erupted.

Security footage captured a shadowy figure running across the top of the school’s Lossee Center shortly after the shooting.

Federal and local authorities have launched an intense manhunt for the suspect, releasing photos of a person of interest.

The suspect is described as a college-aged male with a slim build, wearing a snapback hat, sunglasses, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.

The shirt reportedly displays a patriotic bald eagle flying across an American flag with the words “Land of the Free… Home of the Brave.”

Interestingly, this shirt is widely available online for as little as $6.75, adding an eerie detail to the investigation.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason stated the suspect “blended in well with the college institution,” making identification difficult.

The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman responsible for Kirk’s death.

President Trump vowed that his administration would find the killer and bring them to justice swiftly.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox reminded the public that the state still has the death penalty, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.

Investigators recovered a high-powered Mauser rifle wrapped in a towel near the scene, engraved with transgender and antifascist ideology, according to a memo obtained by the Wall Street Journal.

The weapon contained a spent cartridge in the chamber and three unspent rounds, each inscribed with messages that remain undisclosed.

This disturbing detail has intensified the political frenzy surrounding the shooting.

On his Truth Social page, Trump blamed “radical left” rhetoric for inciting violence, calling for an end to hateful demonization of political opponents.

He compared Kirk’s assassination to other violent attacks on conservatives, including the attempted assassination of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.

Trump described Kirk as “a patriot who devoted his life to open debate and the country he loved,” calling him “the best of America.”

The president urged all Americans to embrace Kirk’s values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law, and love of God.

Charlie Kirk’s rapid rise in conservative circles began with co-founding Turning Point USA in 2012 alongside Bill Montgomery.

His influence grew quickly, making him a prominent voice among young conservatives nationwide.

Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve and their two young children—a three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son.

Friends and colleagues remember Kirk as a man of deep faith and unwavering commitment to his country.

Vice President JD Vance paid tribute to Kirk on social media, calling him a “true friend” and “great family man.”

The nation now watches closely as authorities continue the manhunt, determined to bring justice for the fallen activist.

This tragic event has reignited fierce debates over political violence and the toxic climate of American discourse.

As investigators comb neighborhoods near Utah Valley University, the search for answers and the suspect intensifies.

The shooting has left a scar on the political landscape, raising urgent questions about safety and free speech in today’s divided America.

President Trump’s public statements highlight the growing concern over radicalized rhetoric and its deadly consequences.

The story of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is still unfolding, with many awaiting justice and healing for his family and supporters.

For more detailed coverage, listeners can tune into the Daily Mail podcast series “The Assassination of Charlie Kirk,” available on all major platforms.