State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is preparing for a massive turnout Sunday as tens of thousands gather to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this month. The memorial service, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. MST on September 21, has been designated a top-level security event by federal authorities.
Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has sparked nationwide vigils and tributes, with the Arizona memorial expected to be the largest gathering.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will deliver remarks at the service, along with several administration officials. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who was recently named CEO of Turning Point USA following her husband’s death, will also speak.
“Tomorrow we’re honoring a great man, Charlie Kirk,” President Trump said during remarks at an event Saturday night. “He had an army of young people. They loved him so much. They’re devastated right now.”
Security preparations are extensive. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the memorial a SEAR Level 1 event, providing federal resources comparable to those used for the Super Bowl. A strict no-bag policy will be enforced, and attendees are being asked to wear red, white, or blue attire.
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The main venue, State Farm Stadium, has a capacity of 63,400 that can be expanded to approximately 73,000. Organizers have arranged for overflow viewing at the nearby Desert Diamond Arena as crowds may approach 100,000 people.
“Please be advised that enhanced security measures are in place, which may result in longer wait times than usual,” stated the memorial website. Doors will open at 8 a.m., with the program scheduled to start at 11 a.m. local time.
In a security incident Friday, authorities detained a man who was armed and claimed to be providing security at the stadium. The individual, identified as Joshua Runkles, was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place.
The memorial will feature musical performances by several Christian artists including Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, and Phil Wickham. Other speakers include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Tucker Carlson, and Donald Trump Jr.
Congress has approved a resolution marking October 14, 2025, as a National Day of Remembrance for Kirk, and New College of Florida announced plans to commission a statue in his honor.
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet has appealed for the event to remain peaceful. “We want this to be a celebration of Charlie’s life. Respect our friend. Respect what he meant to us,” Kolvet said.
The memorial service comes as the nation grapples with the implications of political violence. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with Kirk’s murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. He is being held without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 29.
