The casket of conservative activist Charlie Kirk arrived in Arizona on Thursday, September 11, aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Vance joined uniformed service members in carrying the casket, paying final honors as it was unloaded from the aircraft. His wife, Usha Vance, walked alongside Kirk’s widow, Erika, both dressed in black with dark sunglasses, while the vice president followed behind in a dark suit.

In a tribute posted the night before, Vance reflected on his friendship with Kirk, recalling how it began after a Fox News appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show. Kirk reached out with words of kindness, which, Vance said, “began a friendship.”

Kirk, who co-founded and led the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was remembered by Vance as “a true friend” who even lobbied for him to be chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate in 2024.