Federal authorities are monitoring “some threats of unknown reliability” related to an upcoming memorial service in Arizona for Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed in Utah last week.
Threats against members of the Trump administration, Vice President Vance, and Kirk’s family are currently under investigation, according to two law enforcement sources cited by News Nation. While these threats have not been confirmed and are deemed unreliable, the sources indicated that such threats warrant thorough scrutiny.
Details regarding the potential threats came from assessments shared by federal agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Secret Service.
The FBI has not commented on the situation, and DHS along with the Secret Service did not respond to requests for information.
A memo from officials noted that individuals not affiliated with violent extremist groups could be seen as appealing targets due to their attendance at the event alongside U.S. government officials and political activists, especially given the extensive media coverage surrounding the ceremony, as first reported by ABC News.
Kirk, 31, was killed during a lecture at Utah Valley University last week when he was struck in the neck by a bullet while engaging with audience questions about gun violence. Prosecutors in Utah have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with his murder.
The memorial service is scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with an expected turnout of around 70,000 attendees.
The DHS has classified this event as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1, indicating it will have security measures comparable to those at the Super Bowl.
This classification is reserved for events of significant national importance, allowing the federal government to offer a comprehensive range of law enforcement resources to ensure safety and success at the event, according to a DHS official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Trump and Vance are expected to speak at the service, along with other notable officials like White House Secretary Susie Wills, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, is also set to give a statement. She recently became the CEO and chairman of Turning Point USA, the organization founded by her late husband.
This heightened security comes amid rising concerns about political violence.
Kirk’s assassination marks the latest in a disturbing trend of attacks on prominent political figures, including two assassination attempts on Trump and the murder of former Minnesota Senator Melissa Hortman (D) in June.
