A man armed with a gun and a knife was apprehended by the Secret Service on Friday at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This venue is set to host a Charlie Kirk commemorative event on Sunday. The details were confirmed by the agency.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi noted that the individual was detained within the stadium prior to the establishment of a secure perimeter.
Reportedly, the man asserted to the Secret Service that he was there to ensure personal safety, according to the Washington Post, which cited law enforcement sources familiar with the situation. A federal source informed Fox News that he is a former law enforcement officer from another state.
A federal source also mentioned that the man identified himself and provided credentials regarding his experience. Authorities are looking into his background to clarify his intentions.
Guglielmi remarked that the Secret Service, in coordination with local authorities, is addressing reports of suspicious behavior at the stadium. He pointed out that while the individual claimed to be armed and a law enforcement member, he is not part of the official law enforcement present for the event.
The additional service ceremony for Charlie Kirk is planned for Sunday, September 21, and police presence is expected during the event at the stadium. The State Farm Stadium can accommodate 63,400 seats, with potential expansions allowing for over 73,000 attendees at larger events.
Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security has classified the ceremony as a “Special Event Evaluation Rating Level 1,” marking it on par with significant events like the Super Bowl.
Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, alongside former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, is scheduled to speak at this event.
