Relatives, supporters and associates of American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, including President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, will honor him today at a large memorial service in the southwestern state of Arizona, DPA reported, dir.bg reports.
The event is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. local time (8:00 p.m. Bulgarian time) at a football stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with a capacity of 63,400 people, where Kirk last lived with his family. Tens of thousands of guests are expected to attend, with Trump and Vance set to deliver speeches along with Kirk's widow, Erica.
Two planes carrying Trump administration personnel will also be at the memorial, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt told Fox News. "It shows how many people he touched at the highest levels of our government. He will be honored and remembered," she added.
Tight security measures are expected as the country remains on high alert following the fatal shooting.
Kirk, 31, was shot at a university event in Utah on Sept. 10. The alleged perpetrator, a 22-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with murder, facing the death penalty.
The killing has had unexpected and significant political repercussions in the United States, sparking a debate over statements by Trump and Vance calling for the punishment of people who condoned or rejoiced in Kirk's death. Critics argue that such statements are protected by the First Amendment.
Kirk was close to the Trump administration and his family. Through his platforms, including a successful podcast, he reached millions of listeners, especially among young people. At the same time, critics accused him of spreading racist, homophobic and sexist views.