Endless anxiety in Arizona as an armed man was arrested at the memorial ceremony venue for Charlie Kirk. The incident, which involved a weapon, knife, and fake police credentials, highlighted the extreme vulnerability even in the most carefully planned events. Fear and panic dominated for a few minutes, while the secret service intervened immediately, bringing to the forefront a scenario reminiscent of a high-risk thriller.
Charlie Kirk: Suspect arrested with weapons and knife
A man who claimed to belong to security forces was arrested on Friday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where Charlie Kirk’s memorial ceremony will take place on Sunday. The New York Times and ABC News reported that the suspect had at least one weapon and a knife with him and presented inactive police credentials. The US Secret Service in cooperation with local authorities took immediate action, placing the man under arrest.
🚨 BREAKING: Shocking security breach at Charlie Kirk’s memorial site in Arizona!
An armed suspect, posing as a law enforcement officer, was detained today outside State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Secret Service arrested the man after he claimed affiliation with police, armed… pic.twitter.com/shIN025Cws
— Freedom is Forged 🫠 🇺🇸 (@freedomisforged) September 20, 2025
Security measures at Super Bowl level
The memorial ceremony was designated as a “Special Security Event Level 1” by the Department of Homeland Security, the highest possible security classification. Visitors will pass through metal detectors and possibly body searches, while items such as alcohol, fireworks and drones are prohibited. The stadium, home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, accommodates up to 63,400 people, expandable to over 73,000 for special events. Special bomb disposal teams and enhanced security forces are on full alert.
Speakers and attendees
The ceremony will feature speakers including Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Charlie Kirk’s widow Erica, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tucker Carlson and others. Kirk’s casket was transported via Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona, accompanied by families and close associates. The ceremony is organized by Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded in 2012.
