Security High for Charlie Kirk Memorial as Over 100,000 Expected

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Security preparations are in full swing as more than 100,000 people are expected to attend a memorial for Charlie Kirk this Sunday at State Farm Stadium, with doors opening at 8 a.m.

Cathy Marshall, a retired teacher from California, plans to arrive around 4 a.m. to ensure she secures a spot. “Well, the doors open at eight, and we really want to be in the main arena. And so will 100,000 people,” she said. “So we just are gonna get there and pray that we make it in.”

The memorial, titled “Building a Legacy — Remembering Charlie Kirk,” follows a weekend of tributes at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, where large crowds gathered under the Arizona sun. The area has transformed into a makeshift memorial filled with flowers and heartfelt messages. Jose Santiago, a spokesman for Glendale Police, reported that over 200,000 people registered for the event.

This event is described as being larger than a Super Bowl. “The big difference here is when you have an event like the Super Bowl, you have upwards of two years to prepare. We had a week,” Santiago said.

Marshall expressed her admiration for Kirk’s faith and how he integrated it with his activism. “I want to honour Charlie, not only his life, but his new life,” she said.

Among the notable speakers at the event are U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Donald Trump Jr., and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. The stadium, home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, has a standard seating capacity of around 65,000 but can accommodate more for larger gatherings.

Yvette Gomez, who traveled from Miami with her family, highlighted the memorial’s importance. “[Kirk’s] execution was an execution to every Christian, to every conservative,” she said. “We live in a country where debate is good, murder’s bad. And what they wanna do is silence us, and it’s not gonna happen.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has given the event its highest security clearance, allowing for extensive law enforcement resources to be deployed. On Saturday, officials arrested a man impersonating a police officer and carrying a weapon at the stadium.

Santiago detailed the security measures, stating there would be visible police presence, drones, and hundreds of cameras ensuring safety. “There are going to security measures in place that you’re not going to be able to see with the naked eye,” he said.

John Sellers, a minister from Houston, expressed his desire to witness a spiritual revival at the event. “I want to see the Holy Spirit thick in that place, touching hearts, changing lives, because that’s what it’s about,” he said.

Despite the anticipated turnout, Santiago cautioned attendees. “We expect people to have some type of patience and understanding when it comes to that. Truth be told, if you really want to participate in this event, the best way to see it is in the comfort of your own home.”