Charlie Kirk’s funeral has received the highest security designation from federal officials, elevating the memorial scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2025, to Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 status, equivalent to the Super Bowl or Boston Marathon.
Kirk, a 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was assassinated last week while speaking at a college event in Utah.
Authorities had since arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a resident, in connection with the shooting.
The development sparked a national mourning across the United States with many prominent individuals criticising the murder of Kirk.
Kirk’s funeral event, scheduled to be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is also expected to be attended by United States President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, among others.
In the latest update, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Charlie Kirk’s funeral has received the SEAR Level 1 designation.
The DHS explained that the designation indicated a “whole of government” approach to security, pooling resources from federal, state, and local agencies.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass also reports that this elite classification is reserved for events of utmost national significance, enabling comprehensive protection amid intelligence reports of potential threats from violent extremists, lone offenders, and even foreign terror groups.
A multi-agency memo, distributed by the FBI, DHS, Secret Service, and ATF, warned that the event could attract attacks due to the presence of high-profile dignitaries, political figures, and intense media coverage.
“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 U.S. government officials, state and local government officials, and political activists, and due to major international media attention,” the memo reportedly says.
Also, the U.S. Secret Service’s Special Agent in Charge of Phoenix, William Mack, said in a statement; “The U.S. Secret Service has been designated as the Federal Coordinator for this effort. Our teams are already on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working side-by-side with state, local, and federal partners.
“Together, we are fully committed to ensuring that these solemn events receive the comprehensive protection and support they require.”
Similarly, local police in Glendale, Arizona, have announced that they are expecting a massive turnout at Charlie Kirk’s funeral.
The police also issued a warning to potential attendees that there would be “no overnight camping” in the parking outside State Farm Stadium, where Kirk’s funeral will be held.
Similarly, funeral organizers have announced the implementation of their own security measures, including a no-bag policy.
“Please be advised that enhanced security measures are in place, which may result in longer wait times than usual,” organizers noted on a website set up ahead of the funeral. “We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Mourners are urged to wear their Sunday best, with red, white, or blue. Instead of flowers, organizers are asking for donations to Turning Point USA, the conservative youth group Kirk founded.
It was also gathered that presidential security will handle the funeral event in general. The Presidential security is expected to deploy magnetometers, counter-snipers, and the commander-in-chief’s personal protection detail.
Security experts emphasize the unprecedented scale of preparations. “With President Trump and many other high-profile individuals expected to attend, along with the amount of public attention focused on the funeral, it makes sense for DHS to declare this as a SEAR event,” said Jonathan Mayer, chief security officer at P4 Executive Protection.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and two young children. The widow is expected to deliver remarks, along with the president, vice president, and other dignitaries.
