Security measures akin to those at the Super Bowl are in place as over 100,000 mourners gather for a ceremony in honor of murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, alongside law enforcement officials also targeted in the incident.
A Department of Homeland Security official announced that a service called “Legacy Construction: Remembering Charlie Kirk” is set for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
“This designation is reserved for major national events, providing necessary federal resources to assist local authorities in ensuring safety and success,” the official stated.
In the lead-up to the funeral, the federal agency had noted “several threats of unknown reliability.”
A law enforcement memo highlighted concerns for attendees, indicating that “the only criminals not linked to violent extremists” may see the large gathering as a target due to the presence of high-profile guests and media coverage.
The event is set to start at 11am MST and is scheduled to be broadcast on networks like Fox and CBS.
Erika, Kirk’s widow, will deliver a live eulogy. Other notable figures expected to speak include White House Chief of Staff Susie Wills, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and political figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump Jr. Various officials and media personalities are also anticipated to attend.
Christian songwriters and singers, including Chris Tomlin and Kari Job Kerns, will lead the service.
State Farm Stadium also serves as the home ground for the Arizona Cardinals. The Kirk family resides in Scottsdale, while the organization Turning Point USA, co-founded by Kirk, is based in Phoenix.
According to Special Agent William Mack of the Secret Service, they are coordinating the security measures, collaborating with local law enforcement and other federal agencies to ensure safety during the service.
“It’s all hands on deck,” said Jose Santiago from the Glendale Police Department, who also mentioned coordination with the Phoenix Police Department and the FBI.
Security will include various measures, both visible and not, along with metal detectors and a strict no-bag policy. Hundreds of officers will be stationed both inside and outside the stadium.
Instead of sending flowers, attendees are encouraged to make donations to Turning Point USA in Kirk’s memory.
Kirk, aged 31 and a father of two, was shot dead on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is currently held without bail on charges of first-degree murder.
The additional service ceremony is accessible on a first-come, first-served basis, with attendees required to register with Turning Point USA.
With the anticipated crowd exceeding the stadium’s capacity of 73,000, overflow will be directed to an adjacent venue accommodating 20,000.
Camping in the parking lot will not be allowed, but officials expect spectators to start arriving as early as 2am, ahead of door openings at 8am local time.
Participants have been encouraged to wear Sunday best, along with red, white, and blue attire.
