By Secret Service
Copyright indiatimes
TOI-OnlineUS Secret Service detained an armed man with inactive law enforcement credentials at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix before Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, highlighting security concerns for the high-profile event
The US Secret Service detained an armed individual at State Farm Stadium near Phoenix on Saturday, September 20, one day before Charlie Kirk’s memorial service at the venue. The man carried weapons and presented inactive law enforcement credentials while claiming to provide private security.The US Secret Service coordinated with local law enforcement in Glendale, Arizona, to investigate “an individual who was observed exhibiting suspicious behavior at State Farm Stadium,” according to a Saturday statement.”The individual was approached by Secret Service and stated during the encounter that he was a member of law enforcement and that he was armed. The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody,” the Secret Service said.Also read: Charlie Kirk funeral date, memorial services time, speakers, live streaming: How to watch?The agency added: “The US Secret Service and local law enforcement are investigating the circumstances as to why he was at the location.”Live EventsArmed individual carried gun and knifeThe detained man was armed with at least one gun and one knife when stopped, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to the Washington Post. The official said the man presented “inactive law enforcement credentials” and told the Secret Service he was there to provide private security.The individual lacked authorization to provide security services at the memorial event venue.Charlie Kirk memorial service expected to draw large crowdSunday’s memorial service for Kirk is expected to attract up to 100,000 attendees in Glendale, where Kirk’s conservative advocacy organization, Turning Point USA, is headquartered. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled to deliver addresses alongside other high-profile White House cabinet members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, is also scheduled to speak at the service. Following Kirk’s death, his wife was named the new leader of TPUSA.High-level security designation for memorial eventThe Department of Homeland Security has designated the event a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) level 1 event, according to multiple reports. SEAR level 1 indicates “significant events with national and/or international importance that require extensive federal interagency support.”According to the event’s website, attendees should expect TSA-level screening, and guests arriving with bags, even clear ones, will not be permitted entry.Background on Charlie Kirk’s deathKirk, 31, was shot to death on September, 10 while speaking at a college event at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder in Kirk’s killing. Utah state prosecutors say they intend to pursue the death penalty against Robinson if he is convicted.Also read: Charlie Kirk’s Funeral: How to get tickets for the Memorial Service and Watch onlineProsecutors have said they suspect Robinson killed Kirk because he personally had become sick of what he perceived to be Kirk’s “hatred.” However, citing three sources familiar with the investigation into Kirk’s killing, NBC reported Saturday that federal authorities have not found any link between Robinson and leftwing groups, on which the Trump administration has threatened to crack down after the deadly shooting.Security concerns surrounding memorial serviceThe detention of the armed individual highlights security concerns surrounding the high-profile memorial service. The combination of the large expected attendance, prominent political speakers, and the circumstances of Kirk’s death has prompted extensive federal security measures.The incident occurred as authorities prepare for one of the largest memorial services for a political activist in recent years, with multiple federal agencies coordinating security efforts.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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