Trump says he plans to attend Charlie Kirk's funeral in Arizona later this month

President Donald Trump on Thursday told reporters outside the White House that he plans to attend the funeral of the late Republican activist Charlie Kirk, and confirmed that he has spoken to Kirk's wife Erika.

Kirk died in the hospital on Wednesday after being shot in the neck at an event in Utah. He was just 31-years-old at the time, and leaves behind his wife and two children. A manhunt for his assassin is still underway.

Trump said that the funeral is expected to take place next weekend in Arizona. Vice President JD Vance, a known friend of Kirk's, is escorting the casket from Utah to Arizona on Air Force Two.

"They've asked me to go, and I think have an obligation to be there," he told reporters. 

He later said that he has an "indication" of the shooter's motive but did not expand on the statement. He also said authorities are making "big progress" on finding the shooter.

“Charlie Kirk was a great person, a great man. Great in every way. Especially with youth,” Trump said. “And what he did, what this man did, was disgraceful. So hopefully we’ll have him and we’ll deal with him very appropriately.”

Trump also confirmed that he had spoken to Kirk's widow on the phone, who he described as "absolutely devastated" at the loss of her husband.

The FBI does not have a suspect in custody, but said it has found the firearm that it believes was used in the assassination. Cartridges found in the rifle were engraved with anti-transgender and anti-fascist rhetoric.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.