PHOENIX — Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed at an event in Utah on Wednesday, will be brought back to Arizona on Thursday.
President Donald Trump said he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., while Vice President Vance and his wife, Usha, were set to visit with Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City.
Associated Press and ABC News sources have confirmed that Kirk's casket, along with his family and friends, will then be flown to Phoenix aboard Air Force Two on Thursday.
The schedule of memorial plans has not yet been released.
Turning Point USA, a right-wing political nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics on high school and college campuses across the U.S., is headquartered in Phoenix.
Supporters of Kirk have been gathering at a growing memorial at the Turning Point headquarters to pay their respects.
Kirk, who was 31 years old, is survived by his wife, Erika, and two young children, with whom he lived in the Valley.
Vance was among numerous political figures and leaders who shared messages and mourned Kirk's loss.
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord," Vance said on X on Wednesday.
As of Thursday morning, officials said the search for the shooter was ongoing.
The FBI said it is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest.
