White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has been assigned a Secret Service protective detail following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, CBS News reported, citing unnamed sources.
At the same time, Congress is weighing $58 million in new funding to bolster security for executive and judicial branch officials. While it is unusual for press secretaries to receive Secret Service protection, the measure has precedent: Sarah Huckabee Sanders was granted protection in 2018 after being denied service at a Virginia restaurant.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has designated the upcoming funeral and memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event, the same security classification used for the Super Bowl and Boston Marathon, a DHS official told ABC News.
SEAR 1 events are “reserved for events of the highest national significance and enable the federal government to provide the full range of law enforcement and security resources necessary to support local officials in ensuring a safe and successful event,” the DHS official said, per the outlet.
President Donald Trump and several cabinet members are expected to attend Sunday’s service at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals. Secret Service Special Agent William Mack, who leads the Phoenix field office, said the agency has been designated as the federal coordinator for the funeral.
“Our teams are already on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working side-by-side with state, local, and federal partners,” Mack told reporters. “Together, we are fully committed to ensuring that these solemn events receive the comprehensive protection and support they require.”
The funeral is open to the public, but those who plan to attend are asked to register with Turning Point USA, ABC News reported.
