BOZEMAN — Thousands of people are expected on Tuesday evening to gather at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on the Montana State University campus, as Turning Point USA is making its next stop on tour.
The event comes about a month after Turning Point founder and political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a Utah college while speaking on this tour.
In light of the incident, MSU Police Chief Michael Stanley said security has increased significantly.
WATCH: MSU police increase security measures following Charlie Kirk assassination at Utah college last month
“A month ago, we considered this a 12-officer event. Today? Given the current threat level? That number has significantly increased,” Stanley said.
Stanley, who has been on the force for more than 20 years, said large event security is nothing new.
“We do this quite often throughout the year. There are football games, concerts,” he said.
Still, Stanley noted that the Turning Point tour requires additional precautions.
“Obviously, this event brings a little more intensity with it — with the increase in political violence and, of course, the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” he said.
Among the heightened measures, Stanley said officers have been recruited from across the state.
“For this event tomorrow, I think the furthest we’ll have officers travel is from Ravalli County,” he said.
Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputies and Bozeman Police will also be working the event.
RELATED — Erika Kirk says her husband Charlie Kirk's mission "will not end" with his death
Additionally, MSU police have partnered with the FBI and Montana’s local fusion center — the Montana Analysis & Technical Information Center (MATIC) — to monitor social media and other intelligence sources.
According to Stanley, MSU has also reached out to universities that have hosted Turning Point events since the assassination, including the University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech and Utah State, to gather information.
The event will take place indoors at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, which Stanley said provides safety advantages.
WATCH: "It's just tragic": MSU students reflect on Charlie Kirk's passing
“The advantage is it’s all indoors, and I can totally control that. This is a screened event. It’s also a no-bag event, which means anyone entering the venue will go through a walk-through metal detector. If further screening is needed after that, it will happen,” he said.
The fieldhouse is currently set up to seat about 3,300 people, though Stanley expects attendance will be around 1,500.
“The ultimate goal is for everyone to show up, be heard if that’s their intent, or enjoy what they’re hearing — and make it through the end of the event with everybody going home safely,” Stanley noted.
Stanley added that there is a designated counter-protest area, though no organizations have indicated plans to attend at this point.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. this evening and is expected to conclude at 8:30 p.m.
WATCH: Ex Turning Point member speaks on Charlie Kirk and his legacy
