Tens of thousands gathered in Glendale, Arizona, to honor Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, with nearly 70,000 inside State Farm Stadium and thousands more watching a Rumble livestream titled Building A Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk. Fox News reported about 90,000 participants overall.
The memorial featured tributes from Donald Trump, an emotional speech by Erika Kirk, and even a surprise appearance by Elon Musk. Just before the service, Erika released a video condemning the “evildoers” behind her husband’s killing and vowed to continue his mission.
Much attention, however, focused on the unusual stage setup. The podium was surrounded by clear protective panels that many identified as bullet-resistant glass. Cameras repeatedly showed the barriers, sparking online debate. Some called the security “next level,” while others found it unsettling for a memorial.
Security extended across the venue, with Trump and senior officials watching part of the program from a glass-shielded suite, while nearly the full Cabinet sat in the front row under heavy protection.
The precautions reflected today’s tense climate, especially after last year’s attempt on Trump’s life. For many, the glass symbolized both resilience and the growing distance between leaders and the public.
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