The U.S. Secret Service confirmed it would heighten security around President Donald Trump’s planned appearance at Thursday’s New York Yankees game in the Bronx following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Trump was scheduled to attend the Yankees’ game against the Detroit Tigers, a stop intended in part to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The game’s first pitch was listed for 7:05 p.m. local time. In a statement shared with The Wall Street Journal, the Secret Service said: "President Trump receives the highest levels of U.S. Secret Service protection and the agency adjusts our protective posture as needed to mitigate evolving threats. Individuals in and around Yankees stadium tonight can expect to see increased law enforcement presence. Out of concern for operational security, we cannot discuss the specific means and methods used for our protective operations."
Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while participating in a campus event at Utah Valley University, authorities and news reports said. Police have released images of a suspect but had not made an arrest as of Thursday, according to law enforcement statements cited by local media. Kirk was honored with a moment of silence at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday evening, and the killing has prompted stepped-up security at several public events attended by the president.
The Secret Service’s move follows heightened security measures at other recent events attended by Mr. Trump. Organizers of Sunday’s U.S. Open men’s final in Queens said added Secret Service protocols resulted in extensive security lines and a roughly half-hour delay for the match; they apologized to fans for the inconvenience. A Swiss watchmaker that sponsors the tournament had invited the president to attend the final, a decision that, the Daily Mail reported, prompted the United States Tennis Association to ask some media partners to limit or censor their coverage of reactions to the president’s presence. The U.S. Open organizers said the added protocols were put in place by the Secret Service and that they had worked to educate attendees about potential delays.
The Yankees’ regional cable network, YES, told the Daily Mail it had not been instructed to censor viewers’ reactions. Event organizers and law enforcement agencies routinely say they will not disclose operational details about protective arrangements for senior officials.
Federal and local authorities are continuing to investigate Kirk’s killing. The Secret Service statement emphasized its mission to respond to evolving threats and to adjust security postures as needed, without detailing specific tactics. The president’s appearances at high-profile sporting events in New York have previously prompted visible multi-agency security deployments, and officials said the presence of the president can require additional time for screening and law enforcement coordination.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the Utah shooting to contact local police. The Secret Service and local law enforcement did not provide additional details about the measures to be used at Yankee Stadium, citing concerns about operational security.