US Vice President JD Vance shared on social media that US extreme right activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, played a key role in his political career. Charlie Kirk has had a great influence, helping him from a young age to becoming a public figure.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on September 10 at Utah Valley State University while attending a debate event. A 22-year-old suspect - Tyler Robinson - was arrested shortly thereafter, according to officials.
In the status line posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Vance said that a few years ago, after he participated in Tucker Carlson's program on Fox News, he received a message from Charlie Kirk - a simple encouragement but opened up a friendship as well as long-term support.
Mr. Vance admitted that Charlie Kirk himself supported his idea of running for the US Senate. Charlie Kirk has helped Mr. Vance connect with sponsors, conservative activists and Donald Trump Jr. - Donald Trump's son - to build a political support network.
Mr. Vance said that at times when he doubted whether his political path could go far, Charlie Kirk was always there, encouraging, giving practical comments and help mobilizing the masses, raising funds and contacting sponsors.
After Mr. Vance won the Senate in 2022, Charlie Kirk continued to push him to be considered for the position of US vice president in the 2024 campaign. Mr. Vance said that Charlie Kirk publicly and privately supported him in the election campaign.
Mr. Vance not only mentioned his political role but also personally: about faith, about personality, about the way Mr. Kirk treats the Vice President's family - caring and sending messages when Mr. Vance first entered politics. These also made him appreciate Charlie Kirk more than just being an athlete.
US Vice President JD Vance admitted that the news of Charlie Kirk's death shocked him greatly. He canceled all official events and visited Charlie Kirk's family to comfort them. In his farewell, Mr. Vance called Charlie Kirk a person who knows how to learn, is capable of change and is willing to share knowledge generously; and emphasized that without Mr. Kirk, his path to the White House would never have happened.
