Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was among the crowd of high-profile political figures who attended the memorial service for political commentator Charlie Kirk. However, he made an unusual effort to remain invisible among the mourners on Sunday.
Kirk was shot and killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University earlier this month. Cox has been praised for his response, calling for the rejection of political violence and extremism.
Video footage of the event shows Cox and his chief of staff, John Pierpont, in a section alongside Trump administration cabinet members, with the governor behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Cox's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about his presence at the event. Other attendees confirmed that Cox was there.
Cox left the event before speeches from Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump. Cox's office did not explain why.
Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Celeste Maloy, and Attorney General Derek Brown were among the other top Utah Republican officials who traveled to Arizona for the service.
It appeared that Cox tried to keep a low profile during the event by wearing a white ball cap with Kirk's initials in gold letters. A review of the video shows Cox wore the hat throughout the memorial.
One attendee who recognized Cox in the crowd told Utah Political Watch, "I've never seen him wear a hat in my life, and he decided a memorial service was the first time?"
Cox seemingly went to great lengths to hide from the cameras on Sunday. When one speaker urged the audience to stand, the video feed briefly switched to show Cox's section. He can be seen tipping his cap but keeps his face pointed at the floor.
Cox’s efforts to remain invisible at the memorial service, seem to be at odds with his elevated national profile The national media, including an upcoming 60 Minutes feature set to air on Sunday, has praised his calls for rejecting political violence and extremism.
