Arizona is set to host a monumental gathering this Sunday as tens of thousands of mourners plan to attend a memorial service for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was tragically shot and killed during an open-air speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
His untimely death has sparked heated debates about free speech and political violence in the United States.
Turning Point USA Announces Public Memorial
Turning Point USA, the nonprofit organization Kirk helped establish in 2012, confirmed the public memorial will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The organization invited supporters to celebrate what they called Kirk’s “remarkable life and enduring legacy.”
Arizona was not only the birthplace of the organization but also Kirk’s home with his wife Erika and their two children.
High-Profile Speakers Set to Attend
The memorial will feature a high-profile lineup of political figures and media personalities.
President Donald Trump personally requested the 63,000-capacity stadium to accommodate mourners traveling from across the country.
Expected speakers include Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Turning Point USA co-founder Erika Kirk.
Other notable figures set to speak are Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Sergio Gor, Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
Musical Tributes and Service Timing
The service will begin at 11 a.m. local time (2 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. GMT) and will include a special “Worship” segment featuring performances by American singer-songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Kari Jobe Carnes, and Cody Carnes.
Michael Bidwell, owner of the Arizona Cardinals, confirmed the stadium will be arranged similarly to a concert, with a stage at one end and seating stretching across the venue.
Unprecedented Security Measures
Authorities are treating the event with the same security level as major sporting events, including the Super Bowl.
Glendale police will deploy “every available resource,” with reinforcements from neighboring areas.
Bomb squads, tactical units, and counter-snipers will be on standby.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi noted that joint security planning is underway, emphasizing the need for public safety in light of potential threats.
Recent Security Concerns
Tensions remain high after a suspicious bag was left outside Turning Point USA’s headquarters on Wednesday morning, prompting street evacuations. Police later confirmed there was no threat.
Authorities continue to monitor potential risks to ensure attendees’ safety during Sunday’s event.
Attendance and Guidelines for Mourners
Parking opens at 7 a.m., with indoor overflow seating available at the nearby Desert Diamond Arena.
Attendees are encouraged to wear “Sunday best” in red, white, and blue.
The stadium will operate on a “first come, first serve” basis, with registration required for event guidance.
All guests will undergo metal detector screenings, and prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, drones, alcohol, and any clothing deemed obscene.
Flags at Half-Mast and Private Vigils
President Trump has requested that all U.S. flags fly at half-mast until Sunday at 6 p.m.
In addition, members of Congress and other political leaders will hold a prayer vigil near the White House and U.S. Capitol on Sunday evening to honor Kirk.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Kirk’s Wife Speaks
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with seven crimes related to Kirk’s murder, including aggravated murder and witness tampering.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Following her husband’s death, Erika Kirk delivered a tearful address, promising to carry on Charlie Kirk’s mission.
She announced that the campus tour will continue through the autumn and vowed that the movement he started will only grow stronger.
Celebrating a Controversial but Influential Life
As Arizona prepares for the memorial, the nation reflects on Kirk’s influence and the debates surrounding his death.
Supporters and critics alike are watching closely, recognizing that the events surrounding this memorial could leave a lasting mark on American political and cultural discourse.