Vice President JD Vance will not attend Thursday’s ceremony in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. Instead, he and Second Lady Usha Vance are traveling to Salt Lake City to support the family of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A source familiar with the plan told The Washington Post that the visit is meant to pay respects during this difficult time.
Kirk, a close friend of Vance, died at the age of 31 on Wednesday after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the conservative community, leaving friends and colleagues mourning the loss.
Other Trump administration officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, will still attend the New York ceremony honoring those who died in the 2001 attacks, according to CNN. President Trump is scheduled to speak at a memorial service at the Pentagon before heading to New York for a Yankees game.
Charlie Kirk, a highly influential figure in the MAGA movement, was shot and killed while speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” event on a Utah university campus. His death has shocked supporters and political figures across the country.
Authorities are continuing a manhunt for the individual responsible for the shooting. The investigation remains active as police work to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Two people who were initially arrested following the incident were later released after officials determined they had no current ties to the shooting. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and follow leads in the case.
Vice President JD Vance was among the many Republican figures who honored Charlie Kirk after his death. He recognized Kirk’s impact and his role in shaping the MAGA movement.
Vance specifically highlighted the Turning Point USA founder’s contributions and dedication, praising the influence he had on young conservatives across the country.
In a heartfelt post on X, Vance wrote, “Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him,” reflecting on their close personal connection.
Vance continued to reflect on Kirk’s personal and professional influence. “And because he was a true friend, you could instinctively trust the people Charlie introduced you to,” he said. Vance credited much of the administration’s success to Kirk’s talent for organizing and bringing people together.
The vice president emphasized Kirk’s role in the 2024 election. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government,” Vance noted, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of Kirk’s work behind the scenes.
Beyond his political acumen, Vance praised Kirk’s judgment and leadership style. He said Kirk had an “uncanny ability to know when to push the envelope and when to be more conventional,” a skill that set him apart as a strategist and mentor.
Vance’s tribute painted a picture of someone who was deeply trusted, highly effective, and personally loyal. It underscored the void left by Kirk’s sudden death, both in politics and in the lives of those who knew him.
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Vance reflected on Kirk’s dedication to open dialogue, saying, “I’ve seen people attack him for years for being wrong on this or that issue publicly, never realizing that privately he was working to broaden the scope of acceptable debate.”
The two were last seen together onstage in January at the Turning Point USA Inaugural-Eve Ball in Washington, D.C., held the night before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Their partnership highlighted Kirk’s influence and close ties with prominent Republican leaders.
Trump also paid tribute to his longtime ally following Kirk’s death. In a video message from the Oval Office, he noted the impact Kirk had on young people and the political process.
“Charlie Kirk traveled the nation, joyfully engaging with everyone interested in good faith debate,” Trump said. “His mission was to bring young people into the political process, which he did better than anybody ever, to share his love of country and to spread the simple words of common sense on campuses nationwide. He championed his ideas with courage, logic, humor, and grace.”
