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Topics: News, US News, Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk
Kit Roberts
Donald Trump decided not to wear black for the funeral service of Charlie Kirk on Sunday.
Tens of thousands packed into the State Farm stadium in Arizona for an event to honour the right-wing podcaster, who was fatally shot in the neck while attending a college debate in Utah as part of his comeback tour.
Among those attending was US President Donald Trump, who is expected to soon give a speech in support of Kirk, a close ally of his.
Before departing Washington for Arizona, Trump told reporters: "We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today," adding that he was getting ready for a 'tough day'.
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But breaking with common custom at funerals, Trump did not wear a black suit to the event. In fact, many of those who attended the stadium did not wear black, and there was a clear reason for this.
While the most common custom is to wear black, sometimes people might request a different dress code to reflect the person being commemorated.
Prior to the enormous funeral commemoration, clear instructions were given as to the dress code for the event, and it seemed that organisers had gone with this approach.
The dress code was specified as 'Sunday best - Red, White, or Blue,' in clear reference to the US flag.
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Kirk was a co-founder of the far-right campaign group Turning Point USA, which also organised the memorial service.
His funeral has seen a massive security presence as a result of the number of highly important political figures in attendance, as well as some strict rules for attendees.
In addition to Trump, Vice President JD Vance is also in attendance, as well as Health Secretary RFK Jr.
Alongside the President, son Donald Trump Jr, son-in-law Jared Kushner and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles (via CNN).
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The large number of high-level figures at the event meant that an enormous security operation was put in place after Kirk's shooting.
This included a security operation which was of a similar level to that usually put in place at events like the Super Bowl.
An official for the Department of Homeland Security spoke to the Washington Post on condition of anonymity, and explained that Kirk's funeral would be comparable to events of 'the highest national significance'.
The source said: “This designation is reserved for events of the highest national significance and enables 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."