Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
Within six days, the United States Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other federal, state, and local agencies organized security for the Charlie Kirk memorial service in Glendale, Arizona. The event drew close to 100,000 attendees, including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Erica Kirk, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and several cabinet officials.
The service was held at State Farm Stadium, which has a capacity of 73,000. The stadium filled to capacity within hours. Approximately 20,000 additional people attended overflow venues nearby.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said: “We are enormously grateful for the men and women of the Secret Service and our law enforcement partners who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and make sure Charlie Kirk’s memorial service was secure—where nearly one hundred thousand Americans could gather and celebrate the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk in peace. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS has dramatically expanded its ability to rapidly secure major events despite a persistent threat of homegrown and foreign-born terrorism. This weekend’s success clearly demonstrates DHS’ readiness to keep the homeland safe as the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, the Summer Olympics, and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.”
Nearly 1,000 personnel from the Secret Service, federal law enforcement agencies, U.S. military branches, and local police worked together on security efforts. Advance teams arrived quickly after activation orders were given. Law enforcement used both staff resources and technology throughout the event.
