By suzanne downing 
Security is at the highest levels for people who will attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, this weekend as the slain activist, founder of Turning Point USA, and commentator is laid to rest after his assassination last week.
Among the attendees expected are President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, members of Kirk’s family, and tens of thousands from around the country, according to ABC News, which obtained a copy of the threat assessment memo circulated to government and law enforcement agencies.
The public memorial for Kirk, who was killed on Sept. 10, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 11 am MST at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
The stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, has a capacity of more than 63,000 and is expected to be filled with mourners paying tribute to the 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
The service, titled “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” will feature speeches by Trump, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who was recently named CEO of Turning Point USA. The event is open to the public with advance registration required, and it will be live-streamed on Rumble and covered by Fox News.
Federal authorities have designated the gathering as a Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1, the highest possible security tier, on par with the Super Bowl.
The US Secret Service is leading the operation, with coordination from the FBI, ATF, Department of Homeland Security, and up to 30 state and local law enforcement agencies. The heightened posture reflects not only the prominence of those attending but also the context of Kirk’s assassination, which has been described by many as the most significant political killing in the United States since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Officials say they are monitoring several potential threats of unknown credibility that have already been directed at attendees, including national leaders and members of Kirk’s family. A joint FBI and DHS assessment noted that violent extremists or lone actors may see the memorial as an attractive target given the political symbolism and media attention surrounding it. While no confirmed threats have been verified, security agencies are maintaining maximum vigilance.
The venue will be under strict control, with magnetometers, drone surveillance, and full stadium sweeps. Prohibited items include weapons, large bags, drones, outside food and drinks, and even flowers or gifts. Attendees have been instructed to report suspicious behavior immediately, and contingency evacuation plans have been developed to prioritize public safety.
On Friday evening, an armed man was detained by the Secret Service at State Farm Stadium after posing as unauthorized private security. He was found carrying a gun, a knife, and inactive law enforcement credentials. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible security breach, adding to concerns as the memorial approaches.
The scale of this operation is part of a broader security reassessment following Kirk’s assassination. The White House has requested an additional $58 million to bolster protections for public officials and institutions, with experts warning that resources are being stretched to maintain coverage across multiple high-risk events.
Gates at State Farm Stadium will open at 9 am, and attendees have been urged to arrive early and follow all security protocols as thousands gather to remember one of the most influential conservative activists of his generation.
Suzanne Downing
The restraint that the liberty movement / the right has shown since the assassination of C.K. has been remarkable. Instead of escalating armed response it has been prayer vigils and votive candles. Amen. And all the glory to God.
But I do have concern for tomorrow’s memorial. If there is a mass causality event it could be the spark. I hope the left can understand or feel that there is no more margin. There is no more step back for us. You are outright murdering some of the best of us who want to seek out dialogue with you. If you want to continue to dehumanize us and oppress us then game on. We don’t want it, but we will fight. This is a widespread sentiment.
Micah, “widespread sentiment” is rooted in a deep core anger in us who are watching the loss of American values amid unrestrained selfishness and self-centeredness. Christians call this the sin-nature. “It is mine to avenge, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19, and Deuteronomy 32:35. And Jesus said, “Anyone who is angry with his brother has committed murder already in his heart.” Mt.5:21-22. Our anger is already sinful. So what to do? We have no plan for this war, we have no leadership for this war, and we have only identified a concept, an ideology, and rogue actors as the enemy. To start this revolution we would be as guilty as the left and we would wind up with a tyrannical dictatorship. We don’t want this, period.
So what to do? Get on our knees before the Sovereign Creator of the universe, repent of our sin, and beg forgiveness – and PRAY for our nation. Ending political violence means engaging with humans who don’t agree with us to work together for the common good. That my friend is the only solution to this problem, and it means not always getting what we want, or always getting what “they” want. We are Americans – brothers, neighbors. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
As with all of us, we are soon forgotten once gone. One year from now this man will be but a distant memory, at best. Oh, and his wife will probably be remarried as well.
The smallness and shriveled nature of your soul as you tell us what those around you will think of you after your death.
There is still time if you breathe. Repent and run to Jesus.