Americans Gather Amid Heightened Security for Charlie Kirk Memorial

Mon Oct 20 2025 20:39:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the wake of the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, over 100,000 attendees are expected at a memorial service in Arizona, featuring notable speakers including President Trump. Enhanced security measures will be in place as tensions around political violence remain high.

A significant memorial for Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist killed two weeks ago, is set to take place in Arizona with over 100,000 attendees expected, including President Trump and other political figures. Heightened security, akin to that of major events like the Super Bowl, will be implemented due to concerns over political violence following Kirk's death. The service, organized by Turning Point USA, underscores divisions in the U.S. regarding Kirk's legacy and the surrounding controversies.

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 homeland security adviser Stephen Miller.

Public shootings in the US are typically met with calls from political leaders for calm, prayer, and unity. However, the Trump administration has been seeking to blame and crack down on the radical left, which has prompted accusations of government overreach. Kirk's death is believed to be used as a pretext to infringe on civil liberties.

Doors open at 08:00 local time with the official program due to start at 11:00. The dress code is Sunday best - red, white or blue.

The stadium can hold just over 63,000 people, with a nearby 20,000 capacity stadium allocated as an overflow area. It will also be live-streamed on Charlie Kirk's Rumble account.

A senior Department of Homeland Security official stated that the memorial service has the same security designation as high-profile events such as the Super Bowl. A suspicious individual was reported at the stadium prior to the event and subsequently charged for impersonating law enforcement while armed.

Tensions are high following Kirk's killing, with much still unknown about the suspect's motive. Some evidence suggests a political motive linked to leftist ideology.