Lip reader reveals Usha Vance’s 4-word message to Charlie Kirk’s widow as they exit Air Force Two

Dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, both women moved solemnly down the aircraft stairs, with Erika Kirk visibly seeking comfort from Usha Vance
PUBLISHED SEP 13, 2025
Vice President JD Vance (R) second lady Usha Vance (C) and Erika Kirk deplane Air Force Two while escorting the body of Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
Vice President JD Vance (R) second lady Usha Vance (C) and Erika Kirk deplane Air Force Two while escorting the body of Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: A lip reader has uncovered a brief but emotional exchange between second lady Usha Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as they stepped off Air Force One. 

The somber moment unfolded as the aircraft landed in Arizona, carrying Kirk’s body home from Utah. Usha Vance offered comfort to Erika during the solemn descent from the plane, capturing a quiet gesture of support amid national mourning.

What was the emotional message Usha Vance shared with Erika Kirk?

Usha Vance and Erika Kirk shared a powerful moment of unity and grief as they stepped off Air Force Two, hand-in-hand, after escorting Charlie Kirk’s body back to Arizona.

Vice President JD Vance (R) second lady Usha Vance (C) and Erika Kirk deplane Air Force Two while escorting the body of Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday in Utah.
Vice President JD Vance (R) second lady Usha Vance (C) and Erika Kirk deplane Air Force Two while escorting the body of Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday in Utah (Getty Images)

Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha, walked closely beside Erika, offering quiet support as her husband followed a few steps behind. Dressed in black and wearing dark sunglasses, both women moved solemnly down the aircraft stairs. 

Erika, 36, kept her gaze low, visibly leaning on Usha for strength. At one point, Usha placed a reassuring arm around the grieving mother of two and gently guided her forward.

According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, Usha turned to Erika during the descent and said, “Let’s walk slowly… together,” while pointing ahead. She then added, “We’re going to head over there, he’s gonna be here,” referencing Kirk’s awaiting casket, per Irish Star.

The scene unfolded on a stormy afternoon as Air Force Two landed in Phoenix, Arizona, Charlie Kirk’s home state, ahead of his funeral. Kirk’s two young children and his parents, who tragically witnessed the assassination, were also on board.

Though details of the funeral remain private, it has been confirmed that President Donald Trump will attend the service.

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his
Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his 'American Comeback Tour' when he was shot in the neck and killed (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Erika Kirk makes her first public remarks after husband Charlie Kirk’s assassination



 

Erika Kirk delivered her first public remarks following the tragic death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, in Utah.

Speaking on Friday, September 12, just hours after stepping off Air Force Two with her husband’s casket, Erika expressed deep gratitude to President Donald Trump. “I want to thank President Trump and his incredible family. Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him, too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well.”



 

She also extended heartfelt thanks to Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance for their compassion and help in bringing Charlie home. “You guys honored my husband so well, bringing him home,” she said.

Additionally, Erika vowed to carry on her husband's legacy. “To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband's name. And I will make sure of it,” she stated with resolve.

The scene after shots were fired at an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his
The scene after shots were fired at an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his 'American Comeback Tour' when he was shot in the neck and killed (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

She continued, “It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever. My husband's mission will not end. Not even for a moment.” Erika concluded with a solemn promise, “My husband's voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure.”

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