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.

President Donald Trump arrived at Yankee Stadium on Thursday and spoke to the New York Yankees ahead of their 9/11 anniversary game against the Detroit Tigers.

Trump landed in New York shortly after 6 p.m., and a couple of hours earlier, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Trump was meeting with the team in the clubhouse before the game.

"Had the honor and fortune of some presidents over the years, first pitches or whatever it may be. So the fact that he’s gonna be here, I’m excited to be a part of. I don’t know what it’ll be like, but to interact with him for a few minutes, something I’m looking forward to," Boone said.

Thursday marked the first time Trump attended a Major League Baseball game since the 2021 World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves after his presidential term. Prior to Thursday, his last game as a sitting president was in the 2019 World Series between the Astros and Washington Nationals.

Trump announced earlier this month that he would attend the game. The Yankees announced it on Wednesday and urged fans to arrive early and take public transportation. Gates opened at 4 p.m. ET, 90 minutes earlier than normal.

Prior to Trump's arrival, the Yankees scoreboard showed highlights of the 2001 World Series between the Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks won the series in seven games, but the Yankees' victories in Games 4 and 5 both ended in dramatic walk-offs, less than two months after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Already guaranteed to have a heightened presence, in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, security was boosted throughout the ballpark with the Secret Service and sniffer dogs outside the gates.

Boone, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodon laid a wreath at the 9/11 monument in Monument Park earlier Thursday.

Next season, the Yankees and New York Mets will face off at Yankee Stadium on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. They played at Citi Field on Sept. 11, 2021.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.