JD Vance has claimed that "left-wing extremism" is partly to blame for Charlie Kirk's murder, as he took over the hosting duties of The Charlie Kirk Show.
The Vice President revealed his plans to present the programme through a Sunday evening post on X, describing it as an opportunity to honour his deceased friend.
Speaking on the podcast, he said: "We have to talk about this incredibly destructive movement of left-wing extremism that has grown up over the last few years and, I believe, is part of the reason why Charlie was killed by an assassin's bullet.
"We're going to talk about how to dismantle that and how to bring real unity, real unity, that can only come when we tell the truth," he continued.
JD Vance hosted The Charlie Kirk Show today
|The Charlie Kirk Show
Mr Vance argued that people should be able to express their views "without being cut down by a murderer's gun".
The fatal shooting occurred last Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where Kirk was conducting the opening event of his American Comeback Tour.
The 31-year-old political commentator suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the neck during the university appearance.
Police detained Tyler Robinson as the suspected gunman, with authorities publicly confirming his identity last Friday.
The shooting took place during an event organised by Kirk's conservative youth group.
The Vice President and his wife, Usha, transported Kirk's remains aboard Air Force Two to Phoenix last Thursday.
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A public memorial service has been arranged for next Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Mr Vance began by paying tribute to his friend: "Hey everybody, JD Vance here, live from my office in the White House and filling in for somebody who cannot be filled in for, but I'm going to try to do my best.
"Every single person in this building owes something to Charlie. He was a joyful warrior for our country.
Charlie Kirk was shot at the Utah University | REUTERS"He loved America. He devoted himself tirelessly to making our country a better place.
"He was a critical part of getting Donald Trump elected as president, getting me elected as vice president, and so much of our success over the last seven months is due to his efforts, his staffing, his support and his friendship.
"I don't think that I'm alone in saying that Charlie was the smartest political operative I ever met."