Tens of thousands of people plan to fill State Farm Stadium in Glendale, just outside Phoenix, today for a heartfelt memorial to conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old died from a shooting at a campus event in Utah Valley University on September 10, according to CNN.
The service kicks off at 11 a.m. local time in the massive venue, which seats over 63,000 and can stretch to handle 10,000 more fans. It’s a big moment to celebrate Kirk’s life and influence in conservative circles.
President Donald Trump will speak at the event, CNN reports. Joining him are Vice President JD Vance and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. You’ll also see top conservative voices and Trump officials like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
This huge gathering at State Farm Stadium tests law enforcement big time, especially the U.S. Secret Service, which is already under heavy pressure. “Our teams are on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working hand-in-hand with state, local, and federal partners,” said William Mack, special agent in charge of the Phoenix field office. “We’re fully committed to giving these solemn events the protection and support they need.”
The memorial earns a top-tier Level 1 special event assessment rating, or SEAR-1—the highest for national security, CNN notes. That’s the same elite status given to blockbusters like the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby. It lets federal agencies team up on security resources.
“This rating is for events of the utmost national importance,” a senior Department of Homeland Security official explained. “It lets the federal government deliver full law enforcement and security support to help local teams keep things safe and smooth.”
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