Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, arrives on stage to speak during the public memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Sept. 21, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Vice President JD Vance also addressed the packed crowd at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, earlier in the evening, delivering a stirring tribute to his close friend.
"They tried to silence our dear friend Charlie Kirk," JD Vance said. "And tonight, we speak with Charlie and for Charlie, louder than ever."
JD VANCE BLAMES KIRK ASSASSINATION ON 'LEFT-WING POLITICAL RADICALIZATION' OF SHOOTER
The vice president praised Charlie Kirk’s unwavering defense of the family and traditional values as the foundation of a thriving society.
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance deboard Air Force Two with Erika Kirk, widow of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (KSAZ)
Charlie Kirk was a close confidant of JD Vance’s, both personally and politically. The Turning Point USA founder was considered by JD Vance to have been pivotal in President Donald Trump’s decision to choose him as a running mate in the 2024 election.
Following Charlie Kirk's assassination, JD Vance and Usha Vance accompanied Erika Kirk aboard Air Force Two to return his casket to Arizona. In Salt Lake City, the vice president walked alongside the flag-draped casket of his friend as it was carried across the tarmac.
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JD Vance also filled in for his "dear friend" on "The Charlie Kirk Show" where he similarly expressed his thoughts about his assassination.
Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/charlie-kirks-widow-recalls-usha-vances-support-aftermath-his-death-exactly-what-i-needed-hear