Federal authorities are tracking “threats of unknown credibility” ahead of Charlie Kirk’s funeral in Glendale, Arizona, set for Sunday, according to a memo obtained by ABC News. The memo reportedly lists President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and members of the Kirk family among those possibly targeted.
Straight Arrow News was able to confirm some details through an emailed request for comment to Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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“The U.S. Secret Service has been designated as the Federal Coordinate for this effort,” a statement from the Special Agent in Charge of Phoenix sent to Straight Arrow News reads. “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.”
An additional statement from a Senior Official at DHS was also obtained by Straight Arrow News.
“The Department of Homeland Security has designated the the upcoming funeral and memorial service as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event,” the senior official said. “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.”
Feds warn of lone offender risk
The threat assessment – issued by the FBI, DHS Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) – warns that the event could be an “attractive target” for violent extremists and unaffiliated lone offenders, due to the prominence of those attending and the expected size of the crowd.
Authorities say they are closely monitoring potential risks and coordinating with state and local law enforcement to secure the event.
Massive crowd anticipated
Local officials estimate that more than 100,000 people could travel from across the country to attend. The memorial is first-come, first-served for the public, but Turning Point USA is encouraging attendees to register in advance.
Security for the event is expected to be on par with high-profile events like the Super Bowl and Boston Marathon, according to law enforcement sources.
The federal memo reiterates that lone offenders remain the greatest threat to those in attendance.
Karoline Leavitt receives Secret Service protection
In the wake of Kirk’s assassination, CBS News reports that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has been assigned Secret Service protection.
The move is described as rare but not without precedent. Former Trump press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders received a Secret Service detail after being refused service at a Virginia restaurant in 2018 – an incident she posted about online that drew national attention.
Leavitt has been a prominent voice in conservative media and communications, and her assignment signals growing concern over elevated political tensions.
