
Ryder Cup Security Tightens After Charlie Kirk Killing
Charlie Kirk Killing Heightens Ryder Cup Security Concerns
Event Overview
The 2025 Ryder Cup, held from 26–28 September at Bethpage Black, New York, is facing a heightened security threat following the recent murder of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
With 50,000 fans expected daily, the international golf showdown between Team USA and Team Europe will also see a high-profile visit by US President Donald Trump, who will attend on Friday.
‘Likelihood of Threat Is Increased’
Major Stephen Udice of the New York State Police, incident commander for the Ryder Cup, told BBC Sport:
“The likelihood of somebody trying to use an event like this to make a statement is only increased. We are planning as if there are threats.”
Udice emphasized the event’s global visibility and open setting—a 1,400-acre park—as key challenges compared to traditional closed-stadium events like the Super Bowl or World Series.
Multi-Layered Security Operation in Place

Law enforcement officials from New York State Police at their security command centre on the outskirts of Bethpage golf course
Security resources have been expanded significantly:
-
Hundreds of extra troopers
-
Drones and state police helicopters
-
Bomb-disposal dogs
-
Chemical, biological, and radiological units
-
Social media surveillance
-
Temporary command center near the course
“This is a target, and we are treating it accordingly,” Udice added.
Trump Visit Poses ‘Hardest Challenge’
President Donald Trump, a passionate golf supporter, is expected to arrive on Friday late morning, missing the opening tee shots (07:00 EST / 12:00 BST) but watching the afternoon fourballs.
Ryder Cup director Bryan Karns confirmed:
“It’s the hardest thing we’ll have to do. There are logistical challenges, but none that we can’t solve.”
Trump’s previous presence at the US Open tennis final caused long delays, with hundreds of fans missing the start due to security checks. Similar concerns are being addressed in Ryder Cup planning.
However, Karns reassured that play will not be delayed, even for the President:
“We don’t have the luxury of flipping the lights on and finishing at 8 or 9pm. Play will go ahead as scheduled.”
Political Tensions Meet Sport
The murder of Charlie Kirk on 10 September in Utah—a high-profile conservative figure—has amplified fears of politically motivated disruptions during the Ryder Cup.
While no direct threats have been made public, security officials are bracing for the possibility that someone may attempt to use the event to “make a statement”.
Despite this, Karns emphasized the unifying nature of the Ryder Cup:
“New Yorkers, above all, rally together from totally different backgrounds. This is a healing opportunity.”
Coverage Information
Fans can follow the event live through:
-
BBC Sport website (daily live text + in-play clips from 11:30 BST)
-
BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Sounds (from 12:00 BST)
-
Daily TV highlights on BBC iPlayer (from midnight BST)
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!