Featured Image Credit: Nathan Howard - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Crime, Donald Trump, JD Vance, US News, World News, Melania Trump
Madison Burgess
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Crime, Donald Trump, JD Vance, US News, World News, Melania Trump
Reports are emerging that Melania Trump could be absent from Charlie Kirk's funeral, as her husband, Donald, has just landed in Arizona.
Earlier today (Sunday, 21 September), we saw photos of the US president boarding Air Force One to travel to Arizona for the memorial; however, the First Lady's absence has left her attendance in question.
And now, she's not been snapped getting off the plane either.
One social media user took to Twitter to share a picture of Trump departing the plane, with Melania nowhere to be seen. They wrote: "Melania Trump is definitely not on the trip to Arizona."
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While a second and third questioned: "Is Melania Trump at Charlie Kirk’s service?" and "Looks like Melania's not going to Charlie Kirk's funeral."
Speaking to reporters as he left the White House earlier today, Trump said: "We're going to celebrate the life of a great man today. That something like this could have happened is not even believable. So we'll have a very interesting day, very tough day."
He added: "We want to look at it as a time of healing."
Meanwhile, Vance took to X to write: "Last week, we brought my dear friend Charlie Kirk home one last time. Today, we return to Arizona to remember Charlie and honour his sacrifice. May he eternally rest in peace, and may God watch over Erika and their beautiful children."
Kirk, 31-year-old CEO of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on September while speaking at a university event in Utah.
After a two-day search, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested and charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder, which means he could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk.
Graphic videos from the day show a single shot being fired at the podcaster and influencer, who reached up to his neck as it began bleeding.
The assassination has left a deeply divided America facing questions about rising political violence throughout the country, with several protests breaking out.
Turning Point USA announced news of today's memorial earlier this week and invited the public to come along to pay tribute.
The non-profit wrote on social media: "Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk, an American legend."
Among those who are set to speak at the funeral today (Sunday, 21 September) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, are the US president, VP JD Vance, and Kirk's widow, Erika.
Tens of thousands of people have gathered to remember the conservative activist, and according to the BBC, the event has the same level of security you would expect at the Super Bowl.
The venue can accommodate around 73,000 people, and strict TSA-style security measures have been implemented for the large crowds attending.