Charlie Kirk's wife Erika clutched Usha Vance’s hand while they disembarked Air Force Two as the right-wing activist's casket arrived in Arizona on Thursday, 11 September. JD Vance was a few steps behind them as Kirk's body returned to his hometown of Phoenix. The 31-year-old was fatally shot while on stage at an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk's, said: "I spoke to Erika and we had a long talk and she is devastated, she's absolutely devastated."

Charlie Kirk, 31, is survived by his wife, Erika, and two children.

Kirk, a conservative political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA was gunned down on Wednesday while speaking at a university event in Utah.