Security Heightened as Memorial for Charlie Kirk Draws Thousands

Tue Sep 23 2025 07:33:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A memorial for Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist recently killed, is expected to attract a large crowd, leading to increased security measures.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's tragic shooting, a memorial service organized by Turning Point USA is set to take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. With President Trump and various prominent political figures expected to speak, heightened security is anticipated, including TSA-level screenings. The event hopes to gather over 100,000 attendees as tensions rise surrounding the circumstances of Kirk's death and its implications amidst ongoing political polarization.

President Donald Trump and other prominent American political figures are heading to Arizona to speak at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist who was killed two weeks ago.

The event, organised by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), is on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale and could be attended by more than 100,000 people.

Heightened security is expected, including TSA-level screening, according to TPUSA.

Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA when he was 18, was shot at a speaking event on a Utah university campus on 10 September, reigniting concerns about political violence in the US.

A polarising figure, differing perspectives about his legacy and possible motives for the shooting have exacerbated deep divisions in the US.

In addition to Trump, those expected to speak at the service include Kirk's widow, Erika, who took over his role as TPUSA CEO; Vice President JD Vance; the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr; right-wing political commentator Tucker Carlson; and homelands security adviser Stephen Miller.

Public shootings in the US are normally met with calls from political leaders for calm, prayer and unity.

But the Trump administration has been seeking to blame and crack down on the radical left, which in turn has prompted accusations of government overreach and claims Kirk's death is being used as a pretext to intrude on civil liberties.

The stadium can hold just over 63,000 people, with the TPUSA website stating entry on Sunday will be on a first come, first served basis. A nearby 20,000 capacity stadium has been allocated as an overflow area.

At the stadium, organisers said there will be enhanced security measures in place with TSA-level screening. A senior Department of Homeland Security official told CBS that the memorial service has the same security designation as high-profile events such as the Super Bowl.

Tensions are high following the killing of Kirk. Much is still unknown about the suspected shooter's motive. Officials reported that the man charged in the shooting, Tyler Robinson, 22, has a leftist ideology, with evidence suggesting a politically charged backdrop to the tragedy.