Tens of thousands are expected to attend the memorial service for 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on 21/9. The event, organized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), honors Kirk, who co-founded and chaired the conservative student organization in 2012.

Kirk was shot dead on 10/9 while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several top US officials are expected to attend the memorial, making the event a significant security test for federal and local law enforcement.

The Secret Service, responsible for protecting dignitaries, is implementing comprehensive security measures at the stadium. This pressure is compounded by the agency's simultaneous international obligations.

An image of Charlie Kirk on the scoreboard before a football game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on 14/9. Photo: AFP

An image of Charlie Kirk on the scoreboard before a football game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on 14/9. Photo: AFP

According to a TPUSA announcement on 13/9, the memorial is free, but attendees must register their name, address, email, and phone number. President Trump stated on 14/9 that he would travel to Arizona early on 21/9 to attend the memorial and possibly speak.

This gives the Secret Service limited time to prepare. Resources are being deployed to install metal detectors and other necessary equipment, survey the stadium inside and out, and develop detailed contingency plans.

"The Secret Service sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kirk," said spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. "Security coordination for the memorial service is underway. Necessary information regarding public safety will be provided in the coming days."

State Farm Stadium, located in Glendale, northwest of Phoenix, has a capacity of over 63,000 and is home to the Arizona Cardinals football team. Its retractable roof allows for both indoor and outdoor configurations.

"The venue's public nature makes it an attractive target. Security must address threats and even the potential for threats that could disrupt the event," former Secret Service agent and risk management expert Jonathan Wackrow told CNN.

This requires mitigating risks such as vehicle attacks and biological threats, deploying snipers inside and outside the stadium, and protecting high-ranking officials.

The Secret Service is facing unprecedented staffing pressures. President Trump and First Lady Melania's expected visit to the UK this week requires deploying security resources abroad.

Simultaneously, the Secret Service must secure the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The high-level debate begins on 23/9, with the agency responsible for protecting over 100 heads of state and foreign officials.

The US Secret Service is known for precision, vigilance, and secrecy, but the reality is more complex. Agents work under intense pressure, sometimes hampered by management and logistical issues.

"These factors will push the Secret Service to its limits. Everyone must be involved, but on multiple fronts simultaneously," Wackrow said. The agency may have to reduce readiness in one area to ensure security in another.

"I'm certain that immediately after Kirk's memorial on 21/9, agents will be flown back to New York. Vulnerabilities could arise there. It's naive to think hostile forces aren't watching and seeking to exploit this. They are undoubtedly observing," he continued.

It's unclear whether Kirk's memorial will be designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE). This classification would provide additional federal resources and support from state and local authorities. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented.

A Secret Service sniper stands guard as Marine One carrying President Donald Trump lands in Teterboro, New Jersey, on 13/7. Photo: AFP

A Secret Service sniper stands guard as Marine One carrying President Donald Trump lands in Teterboro, New Jersey, on 13/7. Photo: AFP

Kirk's assassination highlights the rise of political violence in the US. Politicians and security forces face difficult choices balancing public accessibility with security risks, particularly with the midterm elections approaching. Campaigns and political organizations have canceled events as a precaution.

The White House requested an additional $58 million for executive and judicial branch security following Kirk's murder, a Republican congressional aide said on 15/9. The request is being "expedited" within a stopgap spending bill.

Nhu Tam (CNN, Daily Beast, Reuters)