Erika Kirk delivers moving tribute to husband, Charlie: ‘I will never let your legacy die’
Erika Kirk, the widow of the late Charlie Kirk, gave an emotional tribute to her husband and declared that his mission will not end at Turning Point USA’s headquarters Friday. It was her first public statement since her husband’s assassination on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. “To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die,” Kirk said. “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. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever. My husband’s mission will not end. Not even for a moment. “My husband’s voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure.” She delivered a steely message to the “evildoers responsible” for her husband’s death, proclaiming that they “have no idea what they have done.” “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love. But they should all know this. If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea,” she said. “You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.” Speaking at a podium next to the desk where her husband conducted his popular podcast show, Kirk said that Turning Point USA, the grassroots organization her husband co-founded, will continue with its fall campus tour as planned and said there will be even more tours in the years to come. The group’s annual “America Fest” conference will also continue as planned, which will be held in December in Phoenix, and Charlie’s popular weekly podcast will also continue. DAVE RUBIN SAYS CHARLIE KIRK’S DEATH A TURNING POINT FOR THE NATION: ‘UNIMAGINABLE TRAGEDY’ Kirk, who spoke to President Donald Trump Thursday, also told the president she wants to keep alive her late husband’s grassroots organization. During her address, she remarked how much Charlie “loved” the president and how much the president “loved” him in return. Kirk also praised her late husband for his work ethic and his presence as a father and husband. She recounted that, on a daily basis, he would ask her how he could be a better husband and father. “Now and for all eternity, he will stand at His Savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr,” Kirk remarked Friday evening. “Charlie loved, loved life. He loved his life. He loved America.” TOP UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATOR CALLS CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION ‘FAIR’ DUE TO STANCE ON GUNS: ‘NO PRAYERS’ In addition to his wife, Charlie leaves behind two small children. Charlie co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, about six years before he and Erika met in 2018. Charlie reflected at a TPUSA event once on the moment he realized Erika was “the one.” “We had a very, very long dinner, which was very close to almost an interview, and — no, you’re going to laugh — but you should absolutely interview for your spouse. If they don’t check the boxes, move on and go to the next one. Dating for dating’s sake is bad for you, it’s bad for them, it’s bad for everybody,” Kirk said when asked about how he knew Erika was “the one.” “Five years ago today, we sat inside Bills Burgers in NYC deep in conversation and banter over theology, philosophy, and politics and at the end, you paused, looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to date you,’” Erika wrote in a social media post in 2023 reflecting on the pair’s first date. She also shared several photos of the two together. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Erika frequently supported Charlie at his events and was present at Utah Valley University Wednesday when he was shot. Erika is the host of a weekly podcast called “Midweek Rise Up,” the founder of a faith-based apparel company called “PROCLAIM” and heads a Christian ministry called BIBLE365, according to her website. She was an NCAA women’s basketball player at Regis University in Colorado and later transferred to Arizona State University to earn duel majors in political science and international relations. She earned a master’s degree in American legal studies from Liberty University in Virginia, where she is pursuing a doctorate in Biblical studies. In 2012, she was crowned Miss Arizona USA. As she concluded her remarks Friday, Erika promised her late husband that she will never let his legacy die. “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen,” she said. “I love you, baby. Rest in the arms of our Lord.”
Judge allows ICE to continue courthouse arrests in New York City following legal challenge
A federal judge ruled on Friday ICE agents can continue making courthouse arrests in New York City, shutting down a challenge brought by the ACLU and immigrant rights groups. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, a George W. Bush appointee, found there was not enough evidence to suggest that ICE’s courthouse arrest policy changes were “unexplained, arbitrary and capricious” after 2021 guidance allowed arrests at or near immigration courts. Noting the 2025 guidance is more “expansive and permissive,” Castel acknowledged ICE made the changes because local correctional facilities and prisons, which are considered “safe” locations due to security screenings, are not available due to state and local policies regarding immigration detainers. FEDERAL JUDGE REJECTS MILWAUKEE JUDGE’S IMMUNITY CLAIM IN ICE OBSTRUCTION CASE However, the judge did block a Department of Justice policy encouraging immigration judges to dismiss cases so ICE could immediately arrest migrants. The Trump administration in June launched an initiative to arrest illegal immigrants after asylum hearings. The tactic stirred controversy, with critics claiming migrants seeking legal citizenship would be less likely to show up to hearings, and those who are arrested after hearings may not have additional criminal histories. NEW JERSEY’S BAN ON PRIVATELY OPERATED ICE DETENTION CENTERS STRUCK DOWN BY COURT Videos of the arrests went viral on social media, with some going so far as accusing ICE of “kidnapping” migrants. “In its fervor to expel as many immigrants as possible from the country, the Trump administration is targeting immigrants in the very place set up to adjudicate their status: immigration court,” Diana Konaté, deputy executive director of Policy and Advocacy at African Communities Together, wrote in a statement published by the ACLU. “Every day, our members are forced to choose between being kidnapped and/or put into expedited removal or risking deeper legal consequences because they’re too scared to go to court. “This is exactly what the administration intended — for people to be so fearful of enforcement that they forfeit the very resources and systems in place to protect them. We’re bringing this lawsuit on behalf of our members and fighting for justice.” LOS ANGELES JUDGE WEIGHS SEVERE LIMITS ON TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IN CALIFORNIA Some judges have fought back against the policy, allegedly aiding migrants’ escape after hearings. Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted in May on federal charges after she allegedly told an illegal immigrant to leave through a private exit at the Milwaukee County Courthouse as ICE officials were serving a warrant for his arrest. Fox News Digital’s Audrey Conklin and Fox News’ Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Ammo engravings reveal Kirk assassination motive
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… -What is a bolt action rifle? What we know about the gun used to kill Charlie Kirk -Charlie Kirk murder spurs first-in-the-nation state political violence hate crime legislation -Charlie Kirk memorialized by dozens of House lawmakers condemning political violence The rifle that federal investigators believe was used in the shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk contained ammunition inscribed with anti-fascist messaging, shedding light on the suspect’s motive. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed the messaging at a news conference Friday, saying investigators discovered inscriptions on casings found with a bolt-action rifle near the Utah Valley University campus, where Kirk was killed during an event. One used casing and three unused casings contained the writings, Cox said. News of the ammunition inscriptions was first shared on social media Thursday morning in a preliminary bulletin attributed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives…READ MORE. SECURITY GAP: Questions mount over security failures in Charlie Kirk shooting as manhunt intensifies ROGUE AGENT: Secret Service employee who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s assassination put on immediate leave ‘LEGACY WILL ENDURE’: Top conservative speakers vow they ‘will not be silenced’ after Charlie Kirk’s assassination ‘SURE HE DOESN’T MIND’: Ex-prosecutor Carol Siemon sparks outrage after blaming Charlie Kirk for assassination HIS LAST DAY: Charlie Kirk’s last 24 hours before his Utah assassination: messages of faith, justice MEDIA MADNESS: White House torches media after killer’s mother admits son should’ve been jailed before Zarutska murder PRESIDENTIAL PUNCH: Trump reveals new nickname for Mamdani weeks before Election Day RYAN ROUTH TRIAL: Flashlight, rifle, backpacks: prosecutors outline Ryan Routh’s alleged sniper setup STEALTH SUPREMACY: America’s new stealth B-21 Raider takes next step with second bomber’s first flight BLAME GAME: ‘This is on all of us’: Lawmakers take hard look at how political rhetoric played role in Kirk’s assassination ‘FULL OF SH–‘: Social media erupts over ‘Squad’ Dem’s interview after Charlie Kirk assassination: ‘Needs to resign’ GUARD DOGS: Blackburn cheers Trump’s move to ‘Make Memphis Safe Again’ MEMPHIS ON GUARD: Memphis rep torches ‘Trump Show 2.0’ with National Guard, says DC isn’t safer after last crackdown GUARDING IN MEMPHIS: Trump’s Memphis National Guard news boosts Hagerty’s aisle-crossing work to crush city crime, senator says POWER PLAY POLITICS: Trump-backed congressional map passes Senate in crucial Midwestern state: ‘Commonsense values’ Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Florida will target teachers for any ‘vile behavior’ related to Charlie Kirk assassination
The Florida Department of Education plans to investigate any teachers in the state who engage in “vile, sanctionable behavior” related to the assassination Wednesday of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. “It has been brought to my attention that some Florida educators have posted despicable comments on social media regarding the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas wrote in a memo sent out to state school superintendents and shared with Fox News Digital. “These few are not a reflection of the great, high-quality teachers who make up the vast majority of Florida’s educators. Nevertheless, I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior.” Kamoutsas said the memo should serve as a reminder that teachers are “held to a higher standard as public servants.” SPORTS OUTLET SEVERS TIES WITH SUNS BEAT WRITER OVER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION POSTS The memo came after a teacher in Clay County was reportedly suspended for allegedly sharing a post on social media that said, “This may not be the obituary we were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me,” according to Florida’s Voice. Kamoutsas shared a news article about the suspension on Thursday, writing on X, “I commend Superintendent Broskie @oneclayschools for taking swift action to suspend a teacher who despicably celebrated the death of Charlie Kirk — a dedicated conservative, Christian, and family man. Such behavior is unacceptable and must have consequences.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also shared the Department of Education memo on his X page, writing, “Celebrating the assassination of a 31-year-old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable. Glad @StasiKamoutsas is bringing accountability. It is sad that we’ve seen a number of teachers across America celebrate Charlie Kirk’s murder.” STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS IT WILL REVOKE VISAS OF FOREIGNERS WHO ‘GLORIFY VIOLENCE’ AFTER KIRK SHOOTING The memo noted that teachers are subject to ethical guidelines and said the commissioner could use “probable cause to sanction an educator’s certificate.” An educator’s conduct that makes a student or their family feel “unwelcome or unwilling to participate in the learning environment” could also be a violation. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “Although educators have First Amendment rights, these rights do not extend without limit into their professional duties,” Kamoutsas added. “An educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families that they serve.”
Fox News Poll: Despite dip in approval, congressional Republicans still outperform Democrats
Congressional Republicans’ approval rating outperformed their Democratic counterparts for the second time this year, according to the latest Fox News national survey. Thirty-three percent of registered voters approve of the job Democrats in Congress are doing (66% disapprove), up 3 points from a near record-low 30% in March. While their Republican colleagues garner a higher 38% approval rating (61% disapproval), that’s down 5 points from a record-high 43% six months ago. The decline in congressional Republican approval comes from within: 76% of self-identified GOPers approve, but that’s down from 88% in March. And while congressional Democrats earn the approval from just 58% of self-identified Democrats, that’s up from 49% six months ago. FOX NEWS POLL: TRUMP’S RATINGS ARE STRONG ON BORDER SECURITY, WEAK ON THE ECONOMY The survey, released Friday, was completed before the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Among all figures and groups tested, the congressional parties rank at the bottom. By contrast, 49% approve of both Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and ICE, while 46% approve of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS WANT GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN UKRAINE, SUPPORT CURRENT APPROACH IN ISRAEL The survey also asks about a range of policy ideas. The most popular are providing a valid form of photo identification to vote (84% favor vs. 16% oppose), banning members of Congress from trading stocks (75% favor vs. 24% oppose), banning cellphones in K-12 classrooms (65% vs. 34%) and allowing U.S. citizens to vote by mail (63% vs. 36%). Voters are split on banning the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP funds or food stamps (50% favor vs. 49% oppose) and narrowly oppose ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government (46% favor vs. 52% oppose). There’s also significant opposition to allowing transgender students to use their bathroom of choice (34% favor vs. 64% oppose) and flag burning (31% say it should be legal vs. 67% illegal). There is partisan consensus on several issues, with majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents favoring banning members of Congress from trading stocks, prohibiting cellphones in classrooms, thinking flag burning should be illegal and requiring photo identification to vote. “Contrary to the conventional wisdom, Republicans and Democrats agree on several consequential issues,” says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts Fox News surveys alongside Democrat Chris Anderson. “The data also show the president does not pick his fights as haphazardly as some suggest. There is a broad consensus in support of voter ID and opposition to flag burning and transgender bathrooms, issues that invoke patriotism or protecting our kids.” Trump’s highest approval ratings are on his handling of border security (57% approve), followed by crime and public safety (50%) and immigration (47%). Fewer approve on Ukraine (40%), the economy (39%), Russia (36%), tariffs (36%) and cost of living (32%). Overall, 46% approve of the job Trump is doing as president while 54% disapprove, unchanged since June. Although voters say flag burning should be illegal by a wide 36-point margin, the number saying it should be legal (31%) is up 10 points from 20 years ago. That comes mostly from increases among Democrats (+17 points), voters under age 30 (+11), and independents (+10), as well as a small bump among Republicans (+5). CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE Conducted Sept. 6-9, 2025, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,004 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (119) and cellphones (638) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (247). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics of respondents are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis and voter file data.
Fox News Poll: Capitalism remains more popular than socialism, yet majorities support taxing the wealthy
As New York City’s Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mandani lays out progressive plans on the campaign trail, a new Fox News national survey reveals capitalism remains more popular than socialism. Still, voters support raising taxes on the wealthy. Among other things, Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, has promised to make New York City more affordable by taxing its elite residents. Voters nationwide favor the government increasing taxes on the wealthy if it means it will strengthen the country’s social programs (73% support raising taxes to achieve this goal) and spread the wealth to those less fortunate (64%). They are less inclined to increase taxes on the wealthy “so that nobody gets to be too rich” (47% support vs. 52% oppose). FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS WANT GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN UKRAINE, SUPPORT CURRENT APPROACH IN ISRAEL To varying degrees, most Democrats (89%), Republicans (56%) and independents (78%) support increasing taxes on the wealthy to strengthen social programs. Over half of Republicans oppose raising taxes on the rich to spread the wealth and to prevent any one individual from becoming too well-off, both goals most Democrats and independents support. Mamdani’s favorable ratings nationally are underwater by 19 percentage points (18% favorable vs. 37% unfavorable), with the largest share of voters, 44%, having never heard of him. FOX NEWS POLL: TRUMP’S RATING ARE STRONG ON BORDER SECURITY, WEAK ON THE ECONOMY Those most likely to view Mamdani positively are very liberal (44%) and Democratic men (34%). Negative views are largely driven by Republicans (they are the most likely to be familiar with him), with over half saying they’re not keen on him (54% unfavorable). Many Democrats (47%) and over half of independents (55%) have never heard of him. Despite the appetite for soaking the rich, two-thirds (65%) have an unfavorable view of socialism. That’s the highest recorded in a handful of Fox News surveys going back to 2019. Socialism’s strongest supporters, like Mamdani’s, are very liberal (53% favorable, and the only subgroup where support is over 50%) and Democratic men (41%). While capitalism remains popular (twice as many view it positively compared to socialism), the 53% rating it favorably is down from a high of 57% in 2019. The biggest proponents of capitalism are Republican men (80% favorable), voters ages 65 and over (74%), those who are very conservative (71%) and those with graduate degrees (70%). Skepticism about capitalism is highest among independents, women and Hispanic voters. However, each group is more likely to favor capitalism than socialism by double-digits. Majorities of voters under age 30 view both socialism (56% unfavorable) and capitalism (61%) unfavorably. CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE Conducted Sept. 6-9, 2025, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,004 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (119) and cellphones (638) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (247). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics of respondents are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis and voter file data.
Charlie Kirk’s strong stance on death penalty resurfaces after Utah assassination
Late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk advocated the death penalty on several occasions, arguing it should apply broadly in murder cases rather than only in the most extreme circumstances. Officials on Friday identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect in Kirk’s assassination on a Utah college campus. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the state intends to pursue the death penalty if the case goes to trial. President Donald Trump also voiced support, saying he hopes Robinson receives the death penalty if found guilty. WHO IS TYLER ROBINSON? WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT CHARLIE KIRK’S SUSPECTED ASSASSIN Earlier this year, Kirk discussed his stance on capital punishment during an exchange with a student captured in a video posted to Turning Point USA’s YouTube channel. Kirk was asked about how he could support a “limited government” while also believing it should have the power to execute people. “I believe in a small but strong government and, for the record, I believe that someone who took a life should have their life taken,” Kirk told the student. “Under every circumstance?” the student asks Kirk. CHARLIE KIRK ANSWERED ‘HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED’ LESS THAN 3 MONTHS BEFORE KILLING “Under most, yeah,” Kirk responds. The student countered that the death penalty should be reserved for extreme instances, such as school shootings, mass murders and crimes against humanity, but not for what she described as “eye-for-an-eye nonsense.” “Why is it that if you kill 10 people, such a morally different thing than killing one person?” Kirk asked the student, arguing that even people who claim to oppose the death penalty occasionally make exceptions. FOX NEWS PERSONALITIES OFFER EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES TO CHARLIE KIRK: ‘HE LOVED AMERICA SO MUCH’ “We as conservatives try to strive for blind justice,” Kirk said. “Those on the left will argue for social justice. … We, as conservatives, believe in the ideal that you shall not favor administrative justice just because of your skin color, background, wealth, so on and so forth.” Similarly in 2024, during an episode of the Charlie Kirk Show, the conservative activist and his co-hosts debated capital punishment, including what age children should be before witnessing an execution and whether such exposure would reduce crime, Newsweek reported at the time. “Death penalties should be public, should be quick. It should be televised,” Kirk said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Kirk, a 31-year-old husband and father, was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his American Comeback Tour. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Karine Jean-Pierre says Biden health talking points were tightly controlled at senior level
Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told House investigators she did not see a change in former President Joe Biden’s competency over several years, but she acknowledged he was “not the same speaker he was when she met him.” Jean-Pierre was the latest in a string of former Biden White House officials to be interviewed by House Oversight Committee investigators over an alleged cover-up of the ex-president’s mental acuity. She did not speak to reporters on her way into the interview just off Capitol Hill, nor did she speak after the nearly five-hour, closed-door transcribed interview. KARINE JEAN-PIERRE ARRIVES FOR HOUSE OVERSIGHT GRILLING IN BIDEN AUTOPEN PROBE But a source familiar with the interview shared with Fox News Digital that Jean-Pierre told investigators that while working for Biden in various capacities from 2009 to 2025, “she did not see a change in President Biden’s competency.” “She did acknowledge President Biden is not the same speaker he was when she met him,” the source noted. “She does not know why his speaking changed and never asked him.” Jean-Pierre, one of the most high-profile figures from the Biden administration to appear before the committee, was among those who publicly defended Biden after his June 2024 debate against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. During the debate, Jean-Pierre said she was told by “senior staff that President Biden had a cold,” the source said. Shortly after the debate, she told reporters at a press briefing in early July that Biden was “as sharp as ever.” OVERSIGHT CHAIR DEMANDS JEAN-PIERRE, OTHER FORMER WH STAFF TESTIFY ON ALLEGED BIDEN MENTAL DECLINE COVER-UP Jean-Pierre told investigators that talking points were entered into her binder for press briefings by “various advisors,” but talking points related specifically to Biden’s health and mental acuity “were handled exclusively at the senior level.” She cited the “cheap fakes” talking point, which, at the time, Jean-Pierre charged were people online manipulating videos of Biden to mislead the public about his health and cognitive ability. She told investigators that point in particular “appeared as a talking point in her binder, but she does not know specifically who added it.” She also said she never spoke with anyone in the White House “personally concerned about President Biden’s health.” Jean-Pierre began her role as White House press secretary in 2022, shortly after former White House press secretary Jen Psaki left the position, and she stayed on until the end of Biden’s presidency in January. But her relationship with Biden-world became estranged after her departure from the Democratic Party earlier this year, which was announced in a press release for her forthcoming book, “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines.” KARINE JEAN-PIERRE ABANDONS DEMS AFTER YEARS FIERCELY DEFENDING BIDEN POLICIES Jean-Pierre’s appearance before investigators came as House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., said earlier this week that his panel’s ongoing probe into Biden’s use of an autopen was coming to its conclusion. The focus in particular was whether top officials engaged in a cover-up of Biden’s mental and physical state in the White House and whether any executive actions or a litany of pardons were approved via autopen without Biden’s full awareness. Comer said heading into the hearing that one of the questions at the top of his mind was whether “these pardons and executive orders [are] legal?” “I don’t think anyone’s going to argue that the process that was used for these autopens is the ideal process,” Comer said. “And what we’ve seen with the emails that have surfaced in the last week — even the Merrick Garland Department of Justice was very concerned about how this administration was using the autopen. “When people in the Department of Justice email people who they believe were the ones making the decisions on the autopen and asked the question via email from the Department of Justice, ‘Does the president even know who they just pardoned?’ I mean, that’s very concerning.” Fox News Digital reached out to Jean-Pierre’s lawyers and Biden’s office but did not immediately receive a response.
Vice President JD Vance escorts Charlie Kirk’s casket before flight on Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona
Vice President JD Vance walked alongside the casket of Charlie Kirk on Thursday evening, marking the beginning of a series of solemn tributes to the conservative figure. Escorted across the tarmac in Salt Lake City, Utah, by a military pallbearer detail, Kirk’s casket will travel aboard Air Force Two, returning him to his home state of Arizona. A video of the moment showed his wife Erika Frantzve visibly emotional as the casket passed before her. WHAT KIRK’S ASSASSINATION MEANS FOR TRUMP’S SECURITY Upon arriving in Phoenix, Frantzve deplaned Air Force Two while holding the hand of second lady Usha Vance. His casket was transported to Hansen Memorial Chapel. Kirk will be buried in Arizona and President Donald Trump said he will attend the funeral. Trump told reporters on Thursday evening that he believed that Kirk’s funeral would be held “next weekend” adding that he would attend. The revelation comes as federal authorities continue to search for the suspect that assassinated Kirk during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday’s event, the first in what was supposed to be a series Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” was nothing out of the ordinary. Kirk, the charismatic founder of the nation’s conservative youth activist group, gained recognition for his signature political debates on college campuses. COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRK During a press conference on Thursday, authorities say the suspect “blended in well with a college institution.” In a photo later released by law enforcement, the individual is seen wearing a hat, sunglasses, and an American flag T-shirt with an eagle on it. The FBI appealed for more public tips, photos, and videos to help piece together the string of events that led to Kirk’s death. “We truly rely on the public’s help in these types of cases. No tip is too small or too insignificant,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said Thursday. Individuals with relevant information can submit via an online page on the FBI’s website. The one-page form requests contact details, a description of what was submitted, and the files themselves. People can also call 1-800-CALL-FBI if they have tips. The FBI also announced an award of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible.
On 9/11 anniversary, lawmakers warn domestic terrorism now greatest threat
On the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle expressed that they are most worried about rising domestic terrorism harming Americans. Asked whether he was more concerned about domestic or foreign terrorists, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Fox News Digital, “You’ve got to be vigilant on all of it.” Yet, in the wake of the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, Burchett placed particular blame on the left, saying, “They’ve got blood on their hands on this one, there is no question. “The repercussions, I think, could be monumental at the ballot box.” 24 YEARS AFTER 9/11, A FATHER’S EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM STILL INSPIRES TWO POWERFUL PATHS OF AMERICAN SERVICE Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, responded that “we need a country that respects the rule of law and can actually engage in civil discourse. We don’t have that right now. That’s a problem. “We have threats from all around, overseas and here, but you know we got to start respecting the rule of law again, or we’re not going to have anything left.” In the current climate, Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, responded, “I think domestic. It’s not a matter of if but when. “You can’t let your guard down on either,” added Arrington. “I was in the White House on 9/11 with George W. Bush.” Arrington expressed particular concern about terrorists who were let into the country through the border. “You also can’t allow your border to be wide open where you have people, record numbers of people, on the terrorist watch list over here,” he said. GOP LAWMAKER EXPLAINS UNUSUAL 9/11 EXPERIENCE THAT LED HIM TO ENLIST IN THE MILITARY Another Texas Republican, Rep. Troy Nehls, said he is worried about terrorists let into the country by the Biden administration. “What we have seen with all the terrorism, with the individuals coming across our southern border for the past four years and preying on innocent victims in our country, killing Laken Riley and everyone else. I mean, these individuals coming over here, Tren de Aragua, I consider those terrorists, right? Coming over here and causing harm and impact.” Like Roy, Nehls lamented violence by “American people against American people with a dissenting point of view.” “We can’t have a casual conversation and agree to disagree. We’re going to start raising our fists or start pointing guns and start shooting people,” said Nehls. “It’s gone too far.” Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said that though the international terrorist threat is “still there,” he believes “we do have an increased domestic problem because we’ve lost our moorings a little bit spiritually. “A lot of folks don’t have hope or purpose, a spiritual hope or purpose. And then you have all this demonization, and people get caught up in it. You get caught up in your own little websites. Social media, your own cable, and then these guys feed on anger.” TRUMP RELEASES OVAL OFFICE MESSAGE ON CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION: ‘HE’S A MARTYR FOR TRUTH AND FREEDOM’ Democrats, too, said they are worried about domestic terrorism threats. “Domestic terrorism keeps me up at night,” said Rep. André Carson, D-Ind. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “I want to work with my Republican colleagues and the law enforcement community and activists and people of goodwill in keeping our community safe.” Rep. Ritchie Torres, R-N.Y., said, “I worry in the age of social media. I think we’re witnessing the rise of violent extremism and domestic terrorism both at home and abroad.” Torres added that “the safety of public figures can no longer be taken for granted.” “I have lost an incentive to do public events without extensive safety precautions,” he shared. “I suspect that anxiety is weighing heavily on every member of Congress.”