Tens of thousands of supporters from across the nation began gathering early Sunday morning to honor the life and legacy of political commentator Charlie Kirk, who died at the age of 31.
Long lines of supporters waited to get into the first-come, first-served public memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Doors opened at 8 a.m. The program, called “Building a Legacy – Remembering Charlie Kirk,” is scheduled to begin at 11 am.
Kirk was assassinated by a single bullet on Sept. 10 while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.
President Donald Trump is expected to deliver remarks during the service.
He spoke with reporters on his way to Arizona.
“We’re here to celebrate the life of a great man. Really, a great man. A young man. We look forward to it,” the president said. “That something like this could’ve happened is not even believable. Will be a very interesting day. A very tough day.”
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have teamed up to secure the venue for Kirk’s service.
Due to the president’s attendance and the ongoing political turmoil in the aftermath of Kirk’s assassination, enhanced security for the high-profile event are in place. According to a senior Department of Homeland Security official, the service had been given the agency’s highest level security rating, reserved for “events of the highest national significance” such as the Super Bowl.
Guests who entered the stadium were required to go through “TSA-level screening.” Any bags or material items have been banned from the event.
Vice President JD Vance, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, Donald Trump Jr., and conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson are among the scheduled speakers.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, is also expected to address supporters at the service. Since the assassination, she has taken on the role of her slain husband as the new TPUSA CEO and Chair of the Board.
Reuters contributed to this report.
