Matthew Wilson
An armed man was detained after claiming to be law enforcement at the site of the upcoming memorial for Charlie Kirk in Arizona.
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What happened: According to the New York Times, the man was found with a firearm, a knife, and inactive law enforcement credentials. Authorities detained the man at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. That’s where a memorial for Charlie Kirk will be held on Sunday.
Kirk died last week after being shot in Utah by the alleged suspect, Tyler Robinson. Kirk was rushed to the hospital where he passed away from his injuries. The Secret Service says the armed man was “exhibiting suspicious behavior” near the stadium.
“The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event,” the Secret Service said via The Hill. They “are investigating the circumstances as to why he was at the location.”
Charlie Kirk Memorial
Investigation details: At this time, it’s unknown if the man is in custody, but according to reports, he was charged. This comes as the memorial service is expected to draw thousands. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and others will attend.
- The service for Charlie Kirk will have Super level, Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1, precautions. Federal authorities confirmed they are tracking “several threats of unknown credibility.”
Special precautions: “Violent extremists and unaffiliated lone offenders may view the memorial service or related events as attractive attack targets due to the attendance of these individuals, other senior US government officials, state and local government officials, and political activists, and due to major international media attention,” officials wrote in a memo.
DHS also explained the destination for the event, seeing it as a precaution to protect all those attending.
“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,” a DHS official said.
These threats come amid a divisive time in our country. The death of Charlie Kirk was symptom of that and has also heightened a growing rift in America.
