Public memorial services are planned today for Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer and founder of Turning Point USA.
Tens of thousands of people, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, are expected to attend the ceremony at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona outside of Pheonix. Programming began at 8 a.m. local time (10 a.m. CT) with the service starting at 11 a.m. local time (1 p.m. CT).
Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, will also speak. She was recently named CEO of Turning Point USA to replace her late husband.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. The suspect in the case is in custody.
Early images from the site of the memorial show long lines as people waited to enter the arena. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the site as a SEAR Level 1 event, a status reserved for gatherings of high national significance. This designation allows for federal law enforcement and security to provide additional support to local authorities, NBC News reported.
Other speakers at the event are expected to be Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Fox News host Tucker Carlson and White House aides Stephen Miller.