PHOENIX – Charlie Kirk’s casket was brought back to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two on Thursday as Vice President JD Vance paid tribute to the conservative activist with a final journey.

Vance’s wife, Usha, exited the aircraft with Kirk’s widow, Erika. Both women were dressed in black and wore sunglasses. The vice president followed a few paces behind, dressed in a dark suit.

Air Force Two landed in Phoenix after a brief journey from Salt Lake City, roughly 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Orem, Utah, where Kirk was assassinated while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University.

Vance helped carry Kirk’s casket with a group of uniformed service members as it was loaded onto the plane.

On Wednesday evening, Vance posted on social media, sharing that his friendship with Kirk began several years ago following his appearance on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show. Kirk had reached out to express praise, “and that act of kindness initiated a friendship.”

Last year, Kirk advocated for Vance to be Donald Trump’s choice for vice president and frequently checked in on his family. Vance described him as “a true friend.”

Kirk was co-founder and CEO of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, based in Phoenix.

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Megerian reported from Washington.