On Sunday, September 21st, a memorial service for the renowned conservative activist Charlie Kirk was held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The police expected over 100,000 people to attend, with crowds already gathering outside the stadium in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A video posted on the social media platform X by Eric Daugherty, the news assistant supervisor of “Florida’s Voice,” showed the massive crowds outside the stadium after 4 a.m. local time.
CNN released a video explaining that at 4:20 a.m. on Sunday (6:20 a.m. Eastern Time), a line of vehicles stretched for several blocks outside the State Farm Stadium.
The official website for Kirk’s memorial service stated that entry would be on a first-come, first-served basis based on the stadium’s capacity. Overflow attendees would be accommodated at the neighboring Desert Diamond Arena.
The website also noted, “Please be advised that enhanced security measures are in place, so wait times may be longer than usual. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
A video from Storyful News showed mourners lining up outside the stadium at night, waiting for their chance to enter the venue.
Glendale Police Department spokesperson Moroni Mendez told CNN that over 100,000 people were expected to attend on Sunday. This estimate was based on the seating capacity of the State Farm Stadium and the excess seating capacity at the Desert Diamond Arena.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a conservative youth leader in America, tragically passed away at the age of 31 during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10th.
This violent incident has sparked mourning activities across the United States, with Sunday’s event being the largest, featuring high-profile figures such as President Trump and Vice President Pence who will be present to deliver speeches in honor of Kirk.
The White House posted and shared several videos commemorating Kirk on social media platforms leading up to Sunday’s event.
Security concerns for Sunday’s memorial service have been a major focus. Special Agent William Mack from the Phoenix Field Office stated, “Our team has been on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working with state, local, and federal partners. We are collectively dedicated to ensuring these solemn events receive the comprehensive protection and support they require.”
The US Department of Homeland Security has designated Kirk’s memorial service as a Level 1 Special Event, with a security plan matching that of a Super Bowl level event.
An official from the Department of Homeland Security mentioned that this level of security is specifically reserved for events of the highest national significance, enabling the federal government to provide comprehensive law enforcement and security resources to support local officials in ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the event.