Kirk memorial in Arizona to have Super Bowl-level security

The upcoming memorial honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona will have Super Bowl-level security, according to officials familiar with the matter. 

The memorial for Kirk, who was killed while speaking at a college event in Utah last week, will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., where the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals play, on Sunday. 

“The U.S. Secret Service has been designated as the Federal Coordinator for this effort. Our teams are already on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working side-by-side with state, local, and federal partners,” special agent in charge of Secret Service’s Phoenix field office, William Mack, said Thursday in a statement to The Hill’s sister network, NewsNation. “Together, we are fully committed to ensuring that these solemn events receive the comprehensive protection and support they require.” 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated the forthcoming funeral and memorial service a “Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event,” a senior DHS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Thursday. 

“This designation is reserved for events of the highest national significance and enables the federal government to provide the full range of law enforcement and security resources necessary to support local officials in ensuring a safe and successful event,” the official added. 

Kirk was assassinated while addressing attendees at Utah Valley University last Wednesday in Orem, Utah. 

Law enforcement identified Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, as the alleged suspect. The state of Utah is seeking the death penalty against the alleged suspect. 

Kirk’s memorial will be attended by President Trump, Vice President Vance and other top administration officials. 

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, will give remarks. On Thursday, she was named as the new CEO and chair of the board of Turning Point USA.