VP JD Vance lands in Arizona with Charlie Kirk’s casket on Air Force 2

PHOENIX — The sounds of crying and bagpipe music rang through a corner of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport ahead of Vice President JD Vance’s arrival with Charlie Kirk’s casket.

Mourners waved American flags as Vance, Kirk’s casket and the conservative activist’s family landed in Arizona aboard Air Force Two on Thursday, a day after the political activist was assassinated.

The plane landed around 4:30 p.m. at Sky Harbor Airport.

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Kirk was killed by a sniper during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday.

Vance shuffled his schedule Thursday, nixing plans to attend a Sept. 11 commemoration in New York City and heading instead to Utah.

While in Utah, Vance and his wife, Usha, met with Kirk’s family and close friends, the person with knowledge told the AP.

Charlie Kirk made his home in Arizona

Afterward, Vance flew Kirk’s casket and family with him aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona, where Kirk made his home.

Temporary flight restrictions were issued earlier Thursday for both areas, indicating movements of a high-profile aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration website shows airspace restrictions around Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

UPDATE: The casket of Charlie Kirk was removed from Air Force Two after its arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Vice President JD Vance, mourning the loss of his close friend, escorted the body just one day after Kirk’s assassination during a political event on… pic.twitter.com/acuBfccSit

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) September 12, 2025

Turning Point USA, Kirk’s activist group, is based in Phoenix. The group and its affiliates have hosted many events in the Grand Canyon State, including several featuring President Donald Trump.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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