Bomb squad called to Turning Point offices after 'suspicious bag' is left outside ahead of Kirk's funeral
A bomb squad has been called to the Turning Point USA offices after a ‘suspicious bag’ was left outside.
This comes as the firm prepares for the funeral of its organization founder Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed while on stage as part of his ‘American Comeback’ tour last week.
A large suitcase was left just outside the headquarters yesterday (September 17), which led to the street being cordoned off to the public.
A bomb squad was brought in with a bomb disposal robot being used to check that the bag was safe.
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After it was deemed to be safe, police lifted restrictions on the street.
It seems that the organization is being extra vigilant following the death of Kirk on September 10.
The right wing commentator was addressing a 3,000-strong crowd at Utah Valley University (UVU) when a single gunshot was heard and Kirk was struck in the neck.
It was later confirmed that he had died from his injuries sustained in the gunshot wound.
Following Kirk’s shooting, a manhunt was conducted by the FBI, which resulted in the arrest of 22 year old Tyler Robinson 33 hours later.
Kirk’s funeral is expected to take place on Sunday (September 21) at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, with President Donald Trump confirming that he will be in attendance.
Now, police have shared that there will be a ‘Superbowl-like’ security presence at the event.
The venue has a capacity of 63,000 and the funeral will be open to the public, with attendees required to provide their name, address, email and phone number.
Speaking to CNN, former US Secret Service agent Jonathan Wackrow said: “This location may be seen as an attractive target for a hostile actor because of its visibility.
“The potential for it to be disrupted through a series of different threats, or even the threat of a threat, is something that law enforcement really has to focus-in on and then put the mitigation protocols in place now.”
In a statement, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said: “The Secret Service joins the nation in offering our deepest condolences to the Kirk family and friends.
“Joint security planning is underway for the memorial and funeral of Charlie Kirk and appropriate public safety related information will be provided as the process matures in the coming days.”
Robinson made his first appearance in court on Tuesday (September 16) via video link from Utah County Jail, which is where he is currently being held.
During the hearing, prosecutors shared that they will be seeking the death penalty in this case.