‘Surreal’: Charlie Kirk Memorial Service Podium Enclosed in Bulletproof Glass for Speeches From Trump, JD Vance and Pete Hegseth — ‘Something Rarely Seen at an Indoor Event’

Approximately 95,000 attendees gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, this past Sunday to commemorate the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

In attendance were notable figures including former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, alongside a host of influential officials. Trump observed the proceedings from a luxury suite fortified with bulletproof glass.

Additionally, the speaker’s podium was enveloped in thick glass, a precaution seldom seen at indoor events.

This heightened security follows the tragic shooting incident that injured Kirk while he engaged with students, prompting increased vigilance for those in similar public roles.

Congress is deliberating on the allocation of $58 million in funding aimed at boosting security for officials across the executive and judicial branches. Yet, some high-profile individuals are not waiting on legislative actions.

Recently, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was assigned her own Secret Service team, despite the absence of public threats against her.

While the president and vice president are legally mandated to accept Secret Service protection, it is not uncommon for other prominent figures, such as the White House Chief of Staff and National Security Adviser, to receive similar coverage.

Although unusual, press secretaries have occasionally had protective details. For instance, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former press secretary, was provided a security team after a confrontation at a restaurant in Virginia in 2018.

Those without government-backed protection are turning to their own defensive measures. RadarOnline.com reported that global music icon Taylor Swift has faced “legitimate threats” in the aftermath of Kirk’s shooting, prompting enhanced security protocols during her recent appearance at fiancé Travis Kelce’s NFL game.

Viral footage showed a bulletproof barrier shielding Swift as she moved to her seat at the event.

Swift’s unexpected precautions sparked rumors among her fan base, with many speculating about a possible pregnancy. However, insiders revealed that the heightened security was implemented for more serious reasons.

A source shared with the Daily Mail that the barrier was primarily for her protection during a tense week.

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The memorial service for Charlie Kirk began with a procession of bagpipes and the singing of the National Anthem. Various religious and political figures took turns to honor the conservative icon and discuss his profound associations with faith.

President Trump arrived in Arizona shortly after the service commenced, joining a prominent distinguished guest list that included Megyn Kelly, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Donald Trump Jr.

Security protocols were reported to rival those of major events such as the Super Bowl, as acknowledged by a spokesperson to RadarOnline.com.

“We will be ensuring the same security level as we would for any significant event. Officers will be actively patrolling and monitoring all areas outside the stadium,” stated Police Administrator Jose Santiago before the event.

He also mentioned the cooperation between the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Secret Service within the venue, alongside the Glendale Police Department coordinating with federal law enforcement agencies outside.