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Massive Phoenix Funeral for Charlie Kirk Proceeds Under Heavy Federal Security

An armed arrest at the stadium underscored a service shadowed by viral conspiracy claims.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense chief Pete Hegseth and adviser Stephen Miller attended, with several set to deliver tributes.
  • Secret Service–led screening barred bags and weapons for a crowd expected near 100,000, and agents confirmed detaining an armed man who allegedly posed as law enforcement.
  • Authorities say the suspected killer was captured within about 33 hours of the shooting, and prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty.
  • Erika Kirk took a central role at the service and is poised to lead Turning Point USA, which observers say could shift further to the right under her.
  • The episode intensified partisan clashes and misinformation, with a House vote splitting Democrats on a resolution to honor Kirk and figures like Steve Bannon and Elon Musk amplifying unverified theories.