A bomb squad responded Wednesday morning to a report of a suspicious bag left outside Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, city police said, as the state prepares to host funeral services this weekend for the organization’s founder, Charlie Kirk.
Phoenix police said officers were called after a bag was observed outside the nonprofit’s building. Bomb-disposal personnel deployed a robot and an explosive ordnance disposal technician in a protective suit to inspect the item, and the street outside the office was cleared as a precaution. "There is not a threat associated with this incident. Updates will be given out as they become available," a police statement said. It was not immediately clear what, if anything, was found inside the bag.
Yellow police tape and Phoenix Police Department vehicles were visible at the scene, and authorities said they would provide further information as the investigation continued. Turning Point USA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The response came days before a funeral scheduled for Kirk, 31, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday. Kirk was fatally shot last week while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, an attack that prompted national attention and an outpouring of tributes at memorials that have appeared at Turning Point USA’s headquarters and other locations.
Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group that organizes campus events and political activism, was co-founded by Kirk and his longtime mentor Bill Montgomery. The organization has been a prominent fixture in conservative student activism and frequently staged on-campus debates and speaking events, including the program at which Kirk was attacked.
Memorials set up outside the group’s headquarters have been the focus of heightened security and at least one arrest. Authorities said a 19-year-old was charged after police said he kicked over flowers and other tributes at a public memorial outside the office and forced his way through the tribute area. He was booked on counts that included criminal damage and disorderly conduct.
The shooting at Utah Valley University remains under investigation by local and federal authorities. Law enforcement agencies have said they are continuing to collect evidence and interview witnesses; officials have not publicly disclosed a motive. Kirk’s death has generated significant attention across political circles, prompting statements from conservative organizations and public officials, and raising concerns about safety at political events and for public figures.
Phoenix officials said the city is coordinating with event organizers and law enforcement as the funeral approaches, and that precautionary security measures could be expected around venues associated with the services. Police urged the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious items or activity to authorities.
As investigations continue into both the suspicious bag incident in Phoenix and the shooting that killed Kirk in Utah, authorities said they would release additional information when available.