Armed Man Arrested Outside Charlie Kirk Memorial Venue, Officials Confirm
Security was heightened Friday after an armed man was taken into custody outside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where the upcoming memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be held.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect was apprehended after displaying “suspicious behavior” and attempting to pass off inactive law enforcement credentials.
Authorities said he was carrying at least one firearm and a knife at the time of the arrest.
Investigators later confirmed there was no evidence the man had authorization to act as a security officer.
“The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody,” the Secret Service stated.
“The matter is under investigation.”
High-Level Security for a Major Event
The Department of Homeland Security has classified the service as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 gathering—the same designation used for the Super Bowl and the Boston Marathon.
This allows federal agencies to provide full-scale support to local authorities.
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several cabinet members are expected to attend the service, which is anticipated to draw tens of thousands of mourners.
Glendale Police said attendees may begin lining up in the early hours of Sunday, with parking opening at 7 a.m. Camping on-site will not be allowed.
“We will not be surprised if more than 100,000 people show up,” said Glendale Police spokesperson Jose Santiago, noting that security measures include ground officers, drones, helicopters, and aircraft surveillance.
A Nation in Mourning
Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while addressing students at Utah Valley University.
His assassination has intensified concerns over political violence in the United States, especially following two separate assassination attempts on Donald Trump in 2024.
On Thursday, Turning Point USA confirmed that Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, has been unanimously elected as the organization’s new CEO and chair of the board, honoring what colleagues say were Charlie’s wishes.
Looking Ahead
Secret Service officials assured the public that security preparations are extensive.
“Our teams are already 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 service is expected to become one of the largest memorial events in recent U.S. history, drawing people nationwide to honor the late activist’s legacy.
