Arizona Young Republicans Mourn Charlie Kirk’s Death
Vance Transports Body Home as Flags Fly at Half-Mast; GCU Vigil Draws Hundreds
Charlie Kirk’s Body Returns Home on Air Force Two, with Trump and Vance Honoring His Role in 2024
Yesterday, the world lost a conservative icon. But for Arizona, the death of Charlie Kirk feels deeply personal.
Today, Vice President J.D. Vance accompanied Kirk’s body back to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, along with his family and close friends. The solemn return marks both Kirk’s national influence and his close personal ties especially with President Donald Trump and Vance.
Photo Credit: Tyler Bowyer on X
Charlie Kirk was a key figure in the 2024 Trump-Vance campaign. Through his organizations, Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, Kirk helped mobilize youth, build grassroots operations, and was widely credited with helping turn out younger voters. His reach among students and conservative youth was seen by many as helping “push” the margin in battleground states.
President Donald Trump issued a heartfelt statement after hearing of Kirk’s death:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
In another address, Trump called the moment “a dark moment for America,” condemned political rhetoric that fuels violence, and praised Kirk as a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of faith, freedom, and leadership of young people.
Trump also explicitly credited Kirk’s work with helping him win the presidency in 2024.
Vice President J.D. Vance posted a deeply personal remembrance, calling Kirk his “true friend” and acknowledging his critical role in the Trump-Vance victory:
“Charlie’s organizing didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”
He also recalled how Kirk was one of the first people Vance called when he was considering a run for Senate in 2022. Kirk was is also credited with pushing Vance for the position of vice president.
The sight of Air Force Two landing in Arizona with Kirk’s body, Vance, and close family and friends will mark both a homecoming and a moment of collective mourning.
President of the United States has ordered that flags be flown at half-mast until Sunday at 6:00 p.m. in honor of Charlie Kirk. The gesture is one typically reserved for former presidents, world leaders, or moments of national tragedy.
Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake reflected on the magnitude of Kirk’s life and loss:
“I think about how much Charlie Kirk accomplished in just 31 years, and I imagine what he could have achieved in the next 31. I truly believe he could have become President one day.”
Young Arizona Conservative Activists Vow to Carry on Charlie Kirk’s Legacy
The assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves through conservative circles across Arizona and the nation. In Arizona, young activists who once worked alongside Kirk are now pledging to carry forward the movement he built, rooted in faith, truth, and love of country.
Daniel Fuentes, a well-known Latino activist in the Tucson area, shared an emotional tribute after the news broke.
“Today my political hero, mentor, and boss went to sit at the right hand of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Fuentes said. “Turning Point was how I first began my political journey, even though I grew up in a liberal family. I am just devastated… I pray that politics will be just that—politics.”
Fuentes vowed to carry forward Charlie Kirk’s mission. “It is an honor to lead Latino outreach for TPUSA here in Pima County,” he said. “Charlie always called me the ‘Latinos for Trump guy.’ I will continue to build on his legacy.”
Photo Credit: Fuentes Facebook
Brady Ritter, a young conservative activist, expressed his grief over the loss of Charlie Kirk.
“I am shocked and beyond devastated by the assassination and passing of Charlie Kirk,” Ritter said. “For those who may not know, I had the privilege of working with Charlie on Chase the Vote through Turning Point Action during the 2024 election. He was someone I—and so many others—looked up to. Charlie inspired us to fight for common-sense values and to believe in the greatness of this country.”
Ritter also reflected on Kirk’s personal life. “He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children. I will always miss running into him at events and tuning into his show every day to hear his perspective on America’s future. Charlie will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Photo Credit: Ritter Facebook
Ocean Rasso, another young conservative voice, described the impact Charlie Kirk had on his life.
“Charlie Kirk was my hero. From the first moment I met him, he showed me what real leadership looked like—humble, kind, and unshaken in his faith,” Rasso said. “He didn’t waste time attacking people; instead, he fought for truth, for Christ, and for America. His words inspired me to keep pressing forward when things got hard, and I know I’m not alone. Millions of young people were moved by his courage, and because of him, we are ready to carry on the fight. Losing him is heartbreaking, but his legacy will never fade.”
Photo Credit: Ocean Rasso on Facebook
Across Arizona and beyond, tributes continue to pour in. To those who knew him and to the countless young conservatives who looked up to him—Charlie Kirk was more than a political leader. He was a mentor, a friend, and an example of faith in action. These are just three stories among many. State 48 News could share a hundred more from young adults whose lives were shaped by Charlie’s leadership and who now mourn his tragic passing.
Students Gather at Grand Canyon University Prayer Vigil to Honor Charlie Kirk
Photo Credit: Christy Kelly
Late Wednesday night, State 48 News editor Christy Kelly attended a prayer vigil at Grand Canyon University with her two daughters. One of Kelly’s daughters is a student at GCU, and another serves as vice chair of Arizona Teenage Republicans. Together, they joined hundreds of students who gathered quietly on the campus lawn to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, lifting their voices in prayer, reading scripture, and singing hymns.
Students lined up to speak about the impact Kirk had on their lives—sharing personal encounters, encouragement he gave, favorite Bible verses, and heartfelt prayers. “It was a powerful night filled with reflection, grief, and hope,” says a post from GCU Turning Point student group.
Speaker after speaker said they drew strength from scripture and from Kirk’s example of steadfast faith. Many voiced their determination to carry forward his mission, combining political courage with spiritual conviction. “We know that Charlie has reached the gates of Heaven and heard the words, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant,’” students said.
Kirk often spoke of his deep love for GCU, praising the spirit and energy of the campus. The large turnout was a testament to that bond.
TPUSA GCU concluded:
“Thank you to GCU and to every student, faculty member, and friend who showed up to honor Charlie and lift up his family, Turning Point USA, and our nation in prayer. His legacy lives on in all of us who choose to boldly live out our faith and continue the fight for truth. Continue to pray.”
For those in attendance, the vigil was not only a memorial but a recommitment: to faith, to community, and to the values Kirk championed.
