A private jet with FAA tail number N888KG, registered to N888KG LLC in Lehi, Utah, was observed departing Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) around 7:12 PM MDT on September 10, approximately one hour after the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Flight tracking data from ADS-B Exchange and similar platforms revealed an unusual trajectory: the aircraft initially flew southeast toward the Arizona/Nevada border before its ADS-B transponder was disabled around 7:44-7:58 PM MDT, causing it to disappear from public radar.
ADS-B, a FAA-mandated system since 2020 for most U.S. aircraft, broadcasts real-time position data. Disabling it mid-flight without special authorization is illegal and can result in fines up to $25,000. During the blackout, the jet could have traveled 350-400 nautical miles, potentially allowing a quick drop-off at remote airstrips like Page Municipal Airport (PGA) in Arizona or Tuba City (TBC). The aircraft reappeared on radar around 8:30-9:00 PM MDT, reversing course to return to PVU without filing a public flight plan, classified as a “ghost flight.”
The jet’s owner, Derek Maxfield, is linked to the Derek and Shelaine Maxfield Family Foundation, which operates the nonprofit Saprea, supporting survivors of sexual abuse. The foundation has ties to Israel and hosted events with figures associated with Orthodox Jewish movements, including Chabad Lubavitch, which faced scrutiny for hosting Israeli officials.
Flight tracking data showed the jet flew from Provo to Page, Arizona, on September 7 and 8, with a round-trip duration of about 38 minutes. On September 10, it departed PVU at 2:11 PM local time—nearly simultaneous with Kirk’s shooting at 2:05 PM. The aircraft landed in Page by 2:48 PM, spending only 14 minutes on the ground before returning to Provo.
Critics of the jet’s activity suggest it could have been used for a covert operation, though authorities and aviation experts dispute claims of foul play. Grok, an aviation data platform, stated that the aircraft’s transponder loss was likely due to signal interference from Utah’s mountainous terrain, not intentional deactivation. FlightRadar24 records confirm the jet followed a pre-scheduled route with no evidence of FAA violations.
Social media users and conservative figures like Candace Owens have raised concerns about the flight, with some alleging a connection to the assassination. However, no conclusive evidence has been presented. The case remains under investigation, with calls for further transparency from federal agencies.
