Securing the Stage: Lessons from the Charlie Kirk Shooting. How to Prepare for and Put on a Large Scale Outdoor Special Event. An In-depth analysis of Special Event Contingency Planning in the Wake of Charlie Kirk's Shooting.

Welcome to this explosive, fact-finding edition of Light ‘Em Up!

We’re very pleased you decided to join us!

With the nation abuzz with the shooting of Charlie Kirk — his shooting recalls a disturbing pattern: Even the champions of “pro-gun” politics are not immune to America’s epidemic of gun violence.

We’ve been flooded with requests from our clients to address in-depth Special Event Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies — and that’s exactly what we are going to do.

In an era where public discourse is increasingly polarized and high-profile events carry heightened risk; the shooting of Charlie Kirk raises urgent questions about how we protect both speakers and attendees.

This episode explores the intersection of Special Event Contingency Planning and political symbolism, unpacking how public safety agencies can—and must—design protocols that anticipate threats without compromising civil liberties.

We examine the anatomy of a well-executed safety plan, the psychological dynamics of radicalized environments, and the strategic blind spots that can turn a rally into a crisis. Whether you're a public safety professional, a communications strategist, or simply someone concerned with the fragile balance between free speech and public harm—this conversation is for you.

This episode will provide essential guidance for event planners, speakers and ticket holders/(spectators). This episode is an in-depth, thorough examination of how to keep events like Charlie Kirk’s safe, for all involved.

Physical Security is the focus of Rizzo’s Protective Group, Ltd.

As education is always a key pillar of Light ‘Em Up, by the end of this episode if we achieve our learning objectives in full, you will:

Understand clearly and be able to:

Define what qualifies an event as being “special” and

—    Identify for your own edification and knowledge what a special event contingency planning team consists of and looks like.

—   You’ll be guided in conducting a hazard analysis for a special event.

—   You’ll hear how the incident command system (ICS) can be used in response to an incident at a special event.

—   We’ll give examples of special events (providing clear direction on how you must prepare for them as a provider and spectator).

Mark my words, clearly, security measures are going to change and change drastically following this incident.

Special Event Contingency planning involves creating a formal document with detailed procedures, responsibilities, and actions to address potential emergencies or hazards during a public gathering, such as at a festival, concert, or sporting event.

A few of the main aspects, goals and strategies when conducting a thorough hazard analysis are to:

—    identify risks,

—    develop a response strategy,

—    establish a command structure with assigned roles,

—    and define communication protocols for both internal and external stakeholders, including attendees and emergency services.

—    The primary goal is to prevent injury, suffering, or death by ensuring the event is safe and successful despite unforeseen circumstances.

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This episode is rated “E” for EVERYONE!

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