A person who was recently apprehended at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, where a service for Charlie Kirk was taking place, was found to be armed with a gun and a knife. The individual, identified as Joshua Runkles, was conducting a security check for a known guest, as confirmed by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the organization linked to the conservative figure Kirk.
Despite carrying weapons and an expired law enforcement ID, Runkles’ actions were deemed non-threatening by TPUSA. The incident occurred before the venue was fully secured for the event, which is expected to attract a large crowd including President Donald Trump and other prominent conservative personalities.
The suspect, who claimed to be working in private security, presented fake law enforcement credentials and was subsequently arrested by Secret Service agents. Runkles, who holds a concealed carry permit in North Carolina and has a background as a former deputy sheriff in Idaho, faces charges of impersonating law enforcement and carrying a weapon in a restricted area.
Following his arrest, Runkles was released on unspecified bail conditions, with restrictions preventing him from returning to the stadium. The ongoing investigation is being handled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for Kirk’s public memorial service at the stadium, which has a seating capacity of 63,000, expandable to accommodate larger events. An overflow venue, the Desert Diamond Arena, will be available to accommodate additional attendees. The event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with a strict no-bag policy in effect.
Kirk tragically lost his life in a shooting incident at Utah Valley University, with a 22-year-old man, Tyler Robinson, charged with his murder. The memorial service is scheduled to proceed as planned, with heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of all attendees.