Charlie Kirk funeral: Armed man detained at memorial service venue in Arizona

An unidentified armed man entered the State Farm Stadium in Arizona’s Glendale on Friday, September 19, and was later detained by the authorities. He claimed to be affiliated with law enforcement, The Washington Post reported. This comes ahead of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service at the venue on Sunday, September 21.

Charlie Kirk’s memorial service takes place at State Farm Stadium in Arizona’s Glendale on September 21.(REUTERS)

In an official statement, the Secret Service said the person was observed “exhibiting suspicious behavior”. The person is yet to be identified by security services.

Why was he detained?

After being approached by the agents of the Secret Service, the person is believed to have informed them that he belongs to law enforcement and was armed.

However, the US Secret Service informed that he is “not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody”. As of Friday night, he was not arrested. For now, the Secret Service, along with local law enforcement, is trying to determine the circumstances that led the individual to the location.

The alleged unauthorized entry by the individual has raised doubts over the security at the stadium, which shall remain at full capacity over the weekend. Several high-profile guests, including US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, are expected to attend the venue for Sunday’s memorial service.

A law enforcement official told The Washington Post that the person was carrying at least one gun and a knife. On being questioned, he provided “inactive law enforcement credentials”. The person apparently informed the Secret Service agents that he reached the stadium to provide “private security”.

Also Read: What Charlie Kirk said about Indians and H-1B visas in tweet posted just days before he was fatally shot

Charlie Kirk funeral: What to know

The public memorial for Charlie Kirk is set to take place at the Arizona Stadium on Sunday morning. Admission to the funeral is free and based on a “first-come, first-served” basis, an official website posted by Turning Point USA states. But attendees are required to register for tickets in advance, The New York Times reported.

Kirk’s memorial service has been made a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event by the Department of Homeland Security. This allows the US administration to assign sweeping security resources, quite similar to the Super Bowl, as per The Washington Post.

Also Read: Charlie Kirk funeral tickets required — register now for Sunday’s service