Phoenix Sky Harbor’s tower marked a solemn homecoming for Charlie Kirk with a brief on-frequency tribute: “Welcome home, Charlie. You didn’t deserve it. May God bless your family.”, as Air Force Two touched down carrying his casket to Arizona.
Phoenix air traffic control honors Charlie Kirk as Air Force Two landed in Arizona.
— PlanePost (@planepostcom) September 12, 2025
"Welcome home, Charlie. You didn't deserve it. May god bless your family."
Pilot responds by double-keying the mic.pic.twitter.com/TjuDrUtIyv
Erika Kirk, seen publicly for the first time since his assassination, deplaned alongside Second Lady Usha Vance, who comforted her on the tarmac; Vice President JD Vance accompanied the family and helped carry the casket.
Community tributes continued across the Valley as supporters gathered near the airport and shared the tower audio online; local coverage highlighted the landing, motorcade, and memorial plans to follow. Above all, that brief on-air salute gave mourners a small, human moment to hold onto, a gentle reminder that Charlie Kirk is home and his memory endures.