Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow seen first time after his killing; Usha Vance comforts her as his body is brought out of Air Force Two, JD Vance carries the casket

In a deeply emotional video clip, Second Lady of the US, Usha Vance, can be seen comforting Charlie Kirk's widow and former Miss Arizona, Erika Kirk. The two, along with Vice President JD Vance and others are captured deplaning Air Force Two on Thursday as the body of assassinated conservative activist returned to his home state.

Following the tragic assassination of 31-year-old CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, images from the flight show Erika and Usha Vance, dressed in black with visible sorrow. While coming down the aircraft stair truck, the Second Lady is seen holding Erika’s hand whilst walking alongside her in a gesture to extend strength and comfort.

US VP carries Charlie Kirk’s casket

Vice President JD Vance, a longtime friend of Kirk’s, accompanied the flag-draped casket on the official plane and was seen supporting the dignified transfer of Kirk’s remains. Vance helped carry the casket alongside uniformed service members in Salt Lake City as the remains were loaded onto Air Force Two. The vice president canceled plans of attending a 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York to be present at Salt Lake City.

"We talked through everything, from the strategy to the fundraising to the grassroots of the movement he knew so well," Vance wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting his deep bond with Charlie Kirk. “He introduced me to some of the people who would run my campaign,” he added.

The casket was transported to Phoenix, where funeral services are expected to take place soon, likely near the Turning Point USA headquarters, the organization he founded from his parents’ garage at 18 years old. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to attend the funeral and will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of Kirk’s impactful life and dedication to free speech.

The manhunt for Kirk’s killer is ongoing at the moment, with FBI officials announcing a $100,000 reward for any information leading to the identification of the shooter.