Emotional video shows JD Vance carrying Charlie Kirk’s casket as pastor reflects on their bond

An emotional video of Vice President JD Vance helping carry Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s casket onto Air Force Two aired Thursday on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” as Kirk’s pastor Rob McCoy said the loss is “immensely painful” for Vance.

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking and debating with students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Showing a clip of Vance aiding in carrying Kirk’s casket onto the plane, Fox’s Laura Ingraham asked McCoy how poignant the moment must be for Vance as she recalled the close friendship between the two.

“Immensely painful,” McCoy said. “You know, with the vice president, I think he said it publicly, but he attributes his victory to Charlie and even being the vice president. And Charlie, amazingly, Charlie would see in people things that others didn’t see. My son, for example, is chief of staff. I remember when Charlie said, ‘I want [him] to come work for me’ and then he told me what he wanted him to do. I just thought, ‘I don’t think my boy can do that.’”

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“I turn around one day, and Charlie’s turned him into a man I never imagined,” McCoy added. “I’m embarrassed to say that I believe highly in my son, but I just know my limitations, and he’s exceeded his father, and I rejoice for him. But Charlie was instrumental in that. He’s done that with so many people. And that’s how the vice president felt. His heart’s broken. All of ours are.”

Kirk, who regularly spoke at college campuses to debate students on their political beliefs, had made his latest stop in Utah, with videos online showing the campus packed with attendees. About 20 minutes into speaking with students, a shot rang out through the crowd, hitting Kirk.

Security rushed the TPUSA founder to the hospital, where he was initially reported to be in stable condition but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Since the political assassination, those who knew and were impacted by Kirk have shared their stories about the 31-year-old conservative online, including Vance. Late Wednesday evening, Vance posted on X about the impact Kirk had on his life, recalling how he and Kirk had become friends sometime in 2017.

“Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him. I am on more than a few group chats with Charlie and people he introduced me to over the years. We celebrate weddings and babies, bust each other’s chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones,” Vance wrote.

“We talk about politics and policy and sports and life. These group chats include people at the very highest level of our government. They trusted him, loved him, and knew he’d always have their backs. And because he was a true friend, you could instinctively trust the people Charlie introduced you to. So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene. He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government,” Vance added.

Kirk’s casket was flown aboard Air Force Two — accompanied by his family, friends, Vice President JD Vance, and the Second Lady — to Arizona.

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