Security measures were tightened Friday after authorities arrested an armed man outside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the site of the upcoming memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Arrest and Investigation
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the man was detained after exhibiting “suspicious behavior” and attempting to present inactive law enforcement credentials. Officers discovered he was carrying a firearm and a knife at the time of his arrest.
Investigators later confirmed the individual was not authorized to act in any official security capacity.
“The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody,” the Secret Service said in a statement. “The matter is under investigation.”
Security at a National-Level Event
The Department of Homeland Security has designated the memorial service as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 gathering, a classification reserved for high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and the Boston Marathon. This designation enables federal agencies to provide maximum support to local authorities.
The service is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and multiple cabinet officials. Glendale Police announced that parking will open at 7 a.m. Sunday, with large crowds anticipated. Camping on-site will not be permitted.
“We will not be surprised if more than 100,000 people show up,” said Glendale Police spokesperson Jose Santiago. He added that security operations will involve ground officers, drones, helicopters, and aerial surveillance.
Remembering Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking to students at Utah Valley University. His assassination has fueled broader concerns about political violence in the United States, following two separate assassination attempts on former President Trump in 2024.
On Thursday, Turning Point USA announced that Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, had been unanimously elected CEO and chair of the board, fulfilling what colleagues said were Kirk’s wishes.
Looking Ahead
The Secret Service said extensive preparations are already underway.
“Our teams are on the ground, working closely with federal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety of all attendees,” said William Mack, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix field office.
The memorial is expected to be one of the largest services in recent U.S. history, bringing together mourners from across the nation to honor Kirk’s life and legacy.
